Glamnuptials: La Bosse des Noces (We were on TV)

Being a blogger for Weddingbee has definitely made me feel special / sort of celebrity-ish at times (but seriously I'm just a normal gal who blogged about her wedding planning) and it was an honor to share it with all of yous. Some bees have been recognized in public on several occasions (crazy I know!) So when Mr.Flamingo and I took part of a wedding tv show called La Bosse des Noces, well that definetly an interesting experience.

A couple of weeks ago, I was flipping the channels on the television and came face to face... with me. Yup, our wedding was airing again on television. Kinda neat I know. I know you have been waiting to view this video for quite some time, but trying to find a way to upload the video took longer than I anticipated. But I can finally share it with you now. So for those of you who understand french - enjoy!

Though it may not look like it, but I was extremely nervous. Its not every day you have cameras in your face and someone prepping your makeup. A hint ? Notice how many times I say "Glamour" lol ...

The show was about helping us out with issues we came across while planning our wedding. They helped us out with decor elements and our place card chandelier tree. What's great is that they even featured Wes Jones of Film Jones because they found the whole 8mm video really intriguing... plus that whole segment is in english  :)

Our wedding was also on the web with a detailed description of the episode (for canadians only), list of stores where they purchased the items for our wedding and DIY explanations. Check it out here (if you can read in french) Our wedding will be playing for the next 5 years (re-runs obviously) So the "Hey weren't you on TV?" remark will be common, but i can get use to that...LOL But seriously we loved our experience and would do it again in a heartbeat.

So that's it... I'm officially done my wedding recaps. Sniff sniff. I hope you enjoyed my blogging as Mrs.Flamingo. Now this is not an official goodbye, because I will stick around the hive and maybe blog a few more things ;) but my journey as a bee is finished. I've been around for 2 years exactly... and its my time to sign-off and let the spotlight shine on the new bees.

You can visit me on Glamour This! my personal blog. Or better yet, follow even more my randomness on twitter @blushink. 

Best of luck to everyone, and thank you for reading/listening to my rambling :)
Now and forever,
Flamingo
xox


If you want to see all the Glamnuptials recap posts... they are listed below.

Glamnuptials: Beauty Time
Glamnuptials: Prep Time
Glamnuptials: Our details
Glamnuptials: Ceremony Part 1
Glamnuptials: Ceremony Part 2
Glamnuptials: Bride Posing
Glamnuptials: Groom Posing
Glamnuptials: Strike the pose Part 1
Glamnuptials: Strike the pose Part 2
Glamnuptials: The Newlyweds
Glamnuptials: We are Family
Glamnuptials: The first dance
Glamnuptials: Toast time a lot of tears
Glamnuptials: Boogie on Down
Glamnuptials: 3,2,1 and Catch!
Glamnuptials: The Favors
Glamnuptials: Le Gâteau
Glamnuptials: The Guestbook
Glamnuptials: Decor Elements
Glamnuptials: Giving our gifts
Glamnuptials: Our mini moon
Glamnuptials: DAS aka Day after Shoot
Glamnuptials: Wedding Movie Trailer
Glamnuptials: Real Wedding Inspiration Board
Glamnuptials: The REAL Budget

Take 10, Take 100, Take 1000

One experience that I truly enjoyed throughout the wedding planning was the wedding show Mr.Flamingo and I took part in. I must admit its hard work being in front of a camera. Not only do you have to talk as though there is no camera around, but there are many many takes.

Can't forget the touch ups.

The filming of the show is done in three parts. The first is an interview with the both of us and we had to explain our theme and the issues we encountered throughout planning. We had several issues but these were the ones they took care of.

- Figure out how to display our escort cards
- Hide the neighbouring building (visible when your on the terrase)
- Figure out how to display our lamps and make a photography corner
- Hide the wall behind the head table (wear the dividing panel of the hall usually are stored)

The second part of the taping consists of a DIY project with the host. I did this 2 days before the wedding and I had no idea what was going on. Once I got there I was so happy. We were working on my display for my escort cards.

The third part is the big reveal the day of the wedding. Thats when we actually get the chance to see what awesome work they've done. And awesome it was. Here is a sneak peek:

Behind head table


Escort card display (6 foot Manzanita tree in a mirrored box)
With REAL chandelier swags (and its mine! Hurray for gifts)


exterior photography corner


Camouflaging neighbouring company

You saw right, that is the exact chandelier from my invitations. I was blown away when I saw that... talk about carrying out the chandelier theme throughout. Don't ask me how they did that, they never asked me for the artwork. I guess I will find out when I see the show.

I learned that we will be the season premiere of their 4th season. I don't know yet when it will air, but once it does I promise I will try my best to upload it somehow.

Bashing Bachlorette

At my bridal shower my highschool friends (which I've known for 13 years) asked me if they can plan my bachlorette party. I found that really sweet and my MOH and Bridesmaids didn't mind. They wanted the night to be a surprise - so I had no idea what was planned. My surprised bachlorette was last friday. Yup one week before my wedding.

My highschool friends.

My bridal party

The night started off with supper at a restaurant in Montreal called Cafeteria, a type of cafe-resto bar. We were 12 and when we got there they gave every one a gift bag. Inside were some goodies ; condoms, jewelry, glow sticks, candy shaped penis - you get the point. Plus we all got a matching t-shirt...so awesome!!!

I got something more, obviously because I'm the bride-to-be, so an appropriate crown a magic wand was added to my goodies bag. They even included some 'task' coupons of things that needed to be done throughout the night.

Supper was good, and so was my sangria - especially that I had to drink it with a penis shaped straw... too funny.

Once everyone was done eating it was time for dessert and that my friends was the highlight of the night. Can you look at this cake!!! It was strawberry shortcake and it was yummy! The waitress didn't want to cut it because it was so beautiful.

After we've finished our cake we were off to a club. No no, not a strip club but rather a dance club. The music was good and we all had a blast! We have tonnes and tonnes of pictures to remember the night, because by the end... a little too much alcohol in my system ;)

Thank you everyone for a fun night!
Did you have a bachlorette party?

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?

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.

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?

All just a dream...

This weekend the wedding related nightmares have really started to kick it. This is the biggest sign that the big day is really on its way. There is officially 2 months until my wedding and honestly I hope I won't have nightmares every day until then. I've had nightmares here and there before... but this whole weekend was filled with complete episodes of wedding nightmare - you know the kind where you wake up and we you go back to bed the dream keeps on going like it never was interrupted.

Images from here

It was nothing over the top, but still... I wouldn't want this to happen at my wedding

Dream # 1
Its the big day, but I can't really say if the weather outside is nice... I'm in a room getting ready to leave for the church and I realized that I am missing all the accessories I had purchases especially for this day. Everything was wrong, I was wearing the wrong jewelry, I forgot my hair comb and we forgot to purchase shoes for the flower girl. Then we get to the church.... all seems well, but the flower girl doesn't show up and Mr.F forgot the rings at home. I tell him that he needs to go get them (I speak to him through the doors so that he doesn't see me) and where they can be found. He leaves and comes back 15 minutes later saying he couldn't find them - men!

Image from here

So I decided to grab a bicycle and ride all the way home... yes yes in my dress. Don't understand how that happened. Why I didn't think to take a car is beyond me...So I finally get the rings, but because it took too much time the next wedding started and we couldn't get married anymore. I had the most terrified face - luckily I woke up.

Images from here and here

Dream # 2
Its the morning of the big day and rather having my friend come over to do my bridal makeup I decided to go to the M.A.C store instead. I don't know why I guess I was afraid that she wouldn't do a good job - when obviously that's not the case. But I didn't just go to the shopping mall for my makeup appointment, I decided to go in my wedding dress - why? Beats me. So when I got to the M.A.C store and the girls started doing her thing, she dropped the whole bottle of foundation on my gown. Could you imagine??? I would die! If there is one thing I am absolutely looking forward to is wearing my wedding dress =)

Now I know that these situations won't happen on the actual wedding day. I'm way too prepared for that...right? Whats your most horrifying wedding related nightmare?

Giving Hope well trying at least

I like to consider myself being someone who gives. Giving, in the sense that I try to volunteer when I can for events that are important to me I and donate to charities in which I truly believe in. I think we can all make a difference.

Breast Cancer awareness is something I truly care about. It only makes sense because six years ago, my grandmother passed away from the disease. Luckily though, my mom was more fortunate. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37 and this year will mark her 10th year of remission. She is a proud survivor and I am happy to share it with the world.

In honor of my mom and in memory of my grandmother, I want to incorporate pink elements in my wedding which will highlight breast cancer. When I told my mom this, she started crying. She was so touched and I was happy because I love my mom so much.

The bridesmaids will have beautiful pink bouquets filled with roses and ranunculus. My flower girls basket will have pink and ivory ribbons on it. The favors will be part gift part donation to the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. (more to come on that) I was even thinking of making pink ribbons for the guests. But I'm still not sure about this idea.

You Americans have Brides Against Breast Cancer. I think this is such a great cause, but unfortunately we dont have this in Canada (well I don't think so) So I am still searching for more ideas.

Any suggestions of what else I can do to highlight breast cancer? Will you be highlighting a charity for your wedding?

I'm NOT a real bride

The statement is pretty self explanatory. Okay, I AM getting married, but as I reading about everybody else's planning process I've realized that I'm not doing a lot of what you brides-to-be are doing. I know there is nothing wrong with being different... but I'm starting to wonder... am I missing out???

So here's a list of my multiple unbride-ish things

Asking the bridal party: Everyone did these cutesy cards or something extra special to ask their bridesmaids to be bridesmaids. I did none of that. It was practically a 'wanna be my bridesmaid? yes, well good' end of story. Already my bridal party think I'm nuts doing all these DIY things imagine if I gave them a pop up card or something like that. lol

Engagement photo session: Before I started reading weddingbee... I didn't even know people did this. I find it really neat especially if you are hiring the same photographer for your wedding - gives you an idea on how they work. But nope, we didn't do this. More money for something else...

Save-the-dates: I went ahead and made electronic versions of a STD but I really don't think it was worth it for me. I won't have guests coming from far (exception for my good friend from Toronto) so it wasn't really necessary. Also I didn't do it all the way (meaning I didn't have everyones email address) so come think of it... there was really no point.

Engagement party: This is something very popular with italian weddings... I mean its almost as big as the wedding itself, but I didn't feel there was a need. So we didn't have a party, a supper or get together. They're just gonna all meet at the wedding. Hope that goes well.

Registry: It's very simple. We won't have one. I know - I can see all your faces and your head nodding, but its something Mr.Flamingo and I have decided and its one thing we will stick to. We've been together for 4.5 years and have been living together since 4 so we have everything. (Exception a BBQ - which we will most probably get anyway) Why make a registry then? I rather have monetary gifts to pay for our future home.

So what un-brideish thing are you doing or should I say, not doing?

Wedding website - makeover

When Mr.Flamingo and I decided that we were officially gonna set the date... my designer in me could not help but to design our wedding website. Though, I wasn't very fond of the idea of doing it from scratch... I opted for a basic template design from Weddingannouncer.com

Everyone in my family had never heard about a wedding website before so they thought I was the most organized and smart bride ever. (hahaha - I found that very funny) So of course when they saw the design of the website they were amazed - I being a designer couldn't help but feel a little ashamed. (On a side note- our wedsite needs to be perfectly bilingual so with wedding announcer there were certain things that I couldn't translate)

First attempt - using wedding announcer (click to enlarge)

Then I read Miss Lovebugs post about her blogger wedding website. It was official, I had needed to redo our website. Especially with all the resources out their on the oh-so fabulous web. I just had to. When I told Mr.Flamingo about it... he thought I was nuts!

When I decided on my invitation design it was easier to design the website for it to fit the whole theme and style. I used the back of the invitation as the background image and I created vintage looking buttons. I"m having issues with the header. Since I have various elements in my invitations, I don't know what I should use.

Please tell me which one you would go with. (Click to enlarge image)

option a: Chandelier



option b: Street with clock



option c: Decorative elements



option d: - None of the above.

(If you choose this option, please specify what you would do- as to not leave me hanging)

I want to show you all the elements when they are completely done. So tell me which header you prefer, so that I can add it. I got to get crackin' on the rest of the content of the website...

Since I have not completely finished the design of our website, I will have a part 2 to the makeover story... so stay tuned...

Beauty... will eventually fade.

I really like the idea of having a polaroid guestbook. Its fun, and it captures those moments that will definetly be remembered when you look back to read all the words of wisdom left by your guests.

To be honest I haven't really given much thought about the whole guestbook aspect of the wedding. I might not even go the polaroid route, but because we all know the sad news about the polaroid, through the eyes of Polanoir... they are eternal. Thought I would share some awesome polaroid imagery.

Images courtesy of : Polanoir

Polanoir is the first gallery worldwide to exclusively dedicate itself to Polaroid photography. Everlasting moments captured by both established and unknown young artists from all over the world to pursue one major goal: to convey the indescribable fascination of Polaroids. Snif! Snif! Because the beauty will eventually fade away...

Back to the guest book aspect - if you would share some neat guestbook ideas, I'm all ears ;)

Almost perfect

Since I've written about my complicated family tree, I thought I'd continue on with my not so symmetrical bridal party. When Mr.Flamingo and I decided on who would take part in our special day... it wasnt that complicated. Thanks to the great feature from David's Bridal called Dress your wedding, I am happy to present you our almost perfect Bridal Party.

No kidding, I love the fact that it is not equal. Adds a little kick to the whole thing.

On my side it was quite simple, I have 3 sisters hence filling the position of my 3 bridesmaids. Now because I didn't want to favor one sister over the other for the MOH position I asked my cousin instead. Easy way out and everybody's happy! :)

For Mr.Flamingos side, he asked his best friend to be his best man, that's it. It was a little touchy since Mr.F has a brother and didn't ask him to be part of the bridal party... but there was no feud. Hurray for family members accepting our decisions and not making a big deal about it!!! For the ring bearer and the flower girl, we asked both our godchildren. It was perfect my godchild is a boy and Mr.F's is a girl... at least we got something right!

Mr.Flamingo wanted to ask more guys to be part of the bridal party... simply because he wanted it to be equal. I told him there was no point. He didn't even know who to ask, and filling the holes just cause with guys he wasn't close with - was not a good choice. What do you think?

Anyone else have a not so symmetrical bridal party? Are you opting for something different, like a dog for a ring bearer? Spill the beans people!!! :)

Here are some montages I made with images from the Designer Gallery of Dress your wedding. Thought I would end this post with some pretty visuals. You should try it out if you haven't already, it's free and a great tool to visualize your Bridal Party.

The Queen Bee of Budgets

I consider myself little over the top when it comes to my organizational skills. You can say they're above average so its certain that when the wedding kicked in... I went ballistic. Every person that sees me and my famous white wedding binder, say I am extremely ahead of my game when it comes to the planning of my wedding... but then again I started planning almost 2 years before my official wedding date.

I wanted to share with all of yous my wedding planner budget (in excel form) Its a detailed compliation of everything you can think of for the whole planning. (In hopes I have not forgotten anything)

Here are my sections:

• Rings
• Appareal
• Beauty
• Ceremony Site
• Reception Site
• Food & Beverages
• Cake & Bonbonnières
• Flowers & Decoration
• Music
• Photography & Videography
• Invitations & Stationery
• Transportation
• Gits
• Honeymoon
• Other Expenses

In hopes this will help you all to better manage your budget! Happy Planning

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.

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.