9.23.2008

AWS a.k.a After Wedding Shoot

Having the opportunity to do an After Wedding Shoot (AWS) is amazing. Now only do you have the chance to get dolled up again, but you can really take the time to pose for pictures when on the wedding day - time isn't your best friend. On our wedding day, we got some great pictures, but not the kind of pictures I was hoping for.

I wanted something different, unique and luckily my friend knew exactly what I wanted. So in a matter of 1 hour and a half we went from - the gas station, corn field, to railroad track and more. I am really really happy with the outcome of my pictures. (Plus, I got to wear my beautiful Birdcage veil - that I had forgotten at home the day of the wedding)

The morning of the shoot, I actually went to the hairdresser to get my hair done. Unfortunately I did the after wedding chop, so my hair was much shorter than at the wedding, so I couldn't have the same vintage hairstyle (snif! snif!) I did my own makeup like it was done on my wedding day. It wasn't very complicated to do - except maybe putting on the fake lashes. ;)

First stop - the gas station. Now this wasn't a fake pose, we really needed to put gas in the car otherwise we wouldn't go very far. I must admit though, they are pretty cool pictures.





A few minutes from the gas station there was a huge corn field. Being corn season, it seemed perfect for wedding pictures. We asked the owners if we could borrow their field for a couple of minutes, and I guess seeing a Bride and Groom always results in an automatic yes!




Since it had rained a couple of days before the shoot, the ground was quite muddy... so ya, I had a fun time cleaning my shoes afterwards...


Once the shoe cleaning was complete, we hoped in the car and went to the nearest train track, which was literally 2 minutes away. We had fun on the tracks, and let me say cars would pass by and honk...



I love this picture of Mr.Flamingo holding my shoes as I walk down the line (the track line that is) But might I add that it was extremely hot for my feet!


I love this picture - very à la Clark Kent (Superman)

Next up, we took some pictures in a vast grass field. Mr.Flamingo was the one who found the place. It was very beautiful and on top of that, just across the street of the field, there was a beautiful stone fence, where we took some more shots. (Can't get enough)






Once we were done and went back to our friends place, she wanted to take some more pictures of me in my dress. We experimented with different light sources to create a unique shot...



I had a blast taking pictures and if I could do it again I would... hmmm ... Winter is coming up shortly... maybe I could... No! Mr.Flamingo would kill me. Literally - he is so not a picture person :) haha

Did you have an After Wedding Shoot? Were you happy with the results?



9.21.2008

Glamuptials: Giving our gifts

When we started planning the wedding, Mr.Flamingo and I decided not give each other gifts and save that money for something else. At first it seemed to be a good idea, until I found the perfect gift for Mr. F.... I knew he would be extremely happy about my gift chose and honestly I didn't expect anything in return. I got him an original Superman Script signed by the cast of the first movie.

When I gave Mr.Flamingo his gift (ahead of time) he literally had a permanent smile on his face and it made me so happy. I was glad he liked the gift (especially since he is such a difficult person) but then again, you can't really go wrong with Superman.... right?

On the day of the wedding I got a wonderful surprise. Mr.Flamingo got me a gift too. He actually composed a song for me. Even though he didn't sing it live at the wedding, he actually went in a studio to record it. How sweet is that.





I had no clue he did this for me (though apparently everyone in my family did) and later in the evening, he grabbed the microphone and announced my surprised. We danced to the song and the song was beautiful. I wasn't able to tell you what he was saying in the song, because I was crying too much ... but I listen to it the next day and it was simply perfect. This was the best gift ever. I'm so lucky to have him...

Here is the song he composed (now remember Mr.Flamingo is french - his singing in english isn't perfect)



Here is a snippet of the lyrics:
You told me yes I do
took me into your arms
make me a better man
now I belong to you
maybe your true soul mate
you taught me how to love
Did you get a special song for your wedding?

9.03.2008

Glamnuptials: Ceremony Part 2

Saying the "I dos" was magical. A moment you dream of and it was a true fairytale come true and to add to the already amazing day, we were blessed to have my godmother and my sister-in-law do a reading. They were stressed like you wouldn't believe, but they did a great job!


We didn't really prepare anything for the candle ceremony so they provided us with these cute dove shaped candle holders. It was very ... how could I say ... capturing.

When it came time to sign the registries... I wanted to make sure everything is perfect. They say once you sign... it's over. You can't go back. I was having doubts... just kidding :) . But they did make a mistake in Mr.Flamingos last name. I didn't want to get married to this stranger... so they made the modifications on the spot.

When it came time to really sign the documents, the music was suppose to start. Ingrid Michaelson "The way I am"... Well it didn't. No one really knew when music was suppose to start, but 2 of my good friends told me I was staring at the Organ and singer as if I had killer eyes. Basically saying "CUE the music" it finally started a little late but now I was ready to sign. lol

So that's it... were married, I'm officially a Mrs. according to the church and the government. I love it. Its such a great feeling (even though I keep my own name) Ya you read right. Here in Quebec, Canada the Government is pro-independence so they want you to keep your name. Otherwise there a fee ... something like 250$ I really don't mind since in the end my children will bear Mr.F name... so its all good. (Plus, to be honest my last name is prettier. :) )

Now for the funny story of the day... and its a pretty funny one. When Mr.Flamingo and I were officially married and walking down the aisle as husband and wife, something unexpected happened. Honestly, I didn't feel a thing (that's because of my nylons) but my beautiful and secret superman garter I made for Mr.F slipped down my leg and found its way on the floor. Yup in the aisle of the church. Luckily the best man was there. He grabbed it like there was no tomorrow and gave it to my mom. She then stuffed it in her dress. I am not kidding you. I didn't even know... I had no clue. :) Thanks for saving the day... and Mr.F had no idea anything went down.


I loved the sound of the bells ringing. They were for us. It was very symbolic. I hope it was caught on video cause everything seemed blurry from that point on.


And were off to go take some pictures. All you heard was honking from a mile away. It was quite amusing and every single person outside looking at us, waved us hello. Maybe its their way of saying "Good Luck".

I think the funny moments of your wedding day is what makes it more magical. Hey I lost my garter in the church aisle... how funny is that. Did you have any funny wedding stories???

Flamingo Glamnuptials recaps:
Beauty Time Part 1 * The Guestbook * Decor Elements * Prep Time * Ceremony Part 1 * Le Gâteau

Photography: IPI-Events

9.02.2008

Glamuptials: Le Gâteau

I can't seem to say it enough, my wedding day was perfect... and so was my beautiful cake. It was literally a show stopper or should I say a conversation starter. All our guests commented on how unique and glamorous it was, and it made me extremely happy to know that people actually paid attention. I wanted something unique, and thanks to all you readers, I finally had the perfect balance of brown, ivory and design.


For my cake topper, I used a vintage crystal glass that my step-mother had and used the remainder of the arcylic crystals that I used for my escort cards. I put a tealight candle in the glass so that way at night our cake would have its own mini chandelier.


The pattern on the cake wasn't exactly the one from my invitation. It was extremely hard to do (though I attempted to cut out the pattern on a clear acetate) Luckily my baker had a pattern sort of like what I wanted. In the end, the result was awesome... and its not like my guest remembered the pattern on my invites. ;)


We had a chocolate Ferrero Rocher crisp dessert included with our meal so we served the cake later on with the sweet table. Since I figured not everyone would eat cake at night, I decided to make cake flags to go with our oh-so yummy dessert. It basically had our names our it with our wedding date and the clock element found on our RSVP cards. Matchy Matchy ;)

Sorry for the blurry picture, this is the only proof that my cake flags existed.

For the portions, I decided to make a cake for only 70 people (though I have over 150 guests) and I have to say it was too much because we had tonnes left over. I had more than half the cake untouched... but I even forgot the leftover cake at the hotel. Oh well... ;)

Flamingo Glamnuptials recap:
Beauty Time Part 1 * The Guestbook * Decor Elements * Prep Time * Ceremony Part 1

Photography: IPI-Events


9.01.2008

Glamnuptials: Ceremony Part 1

On our way to the church, it finally hit me. I was getting married today and the nerves kicked in majorly. I don't know why we get like this, but my stomach was in knots. Thank goodness my daddy was in the limo with me, so we had some time to talk and bond before he finally gave me away.

When we approached the church I was even more nervous but so excited at the same time. Just before I was ready to walk in my MOH was fixing my dress, I just stood there in my little bubble. I had to take a minute to take in everything that was going on.

(Don't I look so nervous)

When it was time to go... to finally do the march on our awesome song I took my father hand and tried to hold back the tears. Apart from the fact that I was getting married,to have my father walk me down the aisle meant the world to me.

One by one they walked in, my mother (in salmon color) had to walk down with my flowergirl and my ring bearer because they didn't want to do it alone. Luckily they didn't cry or cause a scene, so that was good. lol




When we stepped in, everyone was looking at me and I couldn't help but have the biggest smile on my face. It was a magical moment and I was so happy to have all my family and friends present. When I saw Mr.Flamingo my eyes got all teary eyed. I didn't cry - which is a miracle cuz I cry at anything.... But I couldn't stop looking at my future husband, and it simple made it more true.. I was marrying the man of my life.

I love this picture of my father (left hand corner) and my sisters.

When it was time to exchange vows my hands were shaking. I even whispered to Mr.Flamingo "my left hand is the one with the bracelet" in case he forgot what left was. lol


Once, the pressure of the I dos were done, it was now time to kiss the groom. And honestly it felt like we were the only 2 people in the room. Plus, Mr.F went for an encore... so ya, I got to kiss the groom twice. Talk about lucky.


Now there more Ceremony to come... and let me tell you I have a pretty funny story to share with all of yous. So stay tuned, cuz this wedding is far from being over :)

Flamingo Glamnuptials recaps:
Photography: IPI-Events