Warmest Wishes

Mr. Flamingo and I wanted to wish all you Bees and weddingbee readers Happy Holidays. Sending you the warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. I found this card and thought it was perfect for the occasion.

Image courtesy of: tropicalbreezeforher.com

I promise I will be back after the holidays with lots and lots of posts. (Lots of eye candy ;) too ) If you have any suggestions for posts... feel free to leave me a comment, and I will try my best to grant everyones post wishes. Until then....

Spread the emails....

Ever since I started planning my wedding, I've been reading left and right to know what should or should not be done. The first thing that caught my attention was save-the-dates. I had been reading so much about them, but to be honest I had no idea what they were - mostly because it isn't something very popular with the frenchies (us french speaking ladies) I know the term itself is quite explanatory... but still.

After analizing the whole idea I wasn't sure it was the best thing or us. Not only did we not have any many out of town guests, but it was just an extra cost that for me wasn't necessary. Oh and not to mention that cutting on the STD was being eco-friendly. SAVE the earth one paper at a time :). I decided you use my design talents and make an e-save-the-date and spread the word via email.

Here is an example of my save-the-date. Its nothing very spectacular, and my colors changed 5 times after that. But it got the message across... I hope ;)


I thought I would share with you (awesome weddingbee readers) some tips if you are planning on doing your own save-the-dates.

First off the background design of my STDs is nothing more than some scrapbooking paper. What's great is that there are some really neat Digital Scrapbooking websites with awesome print and embellishments which make for some interesting e-vites. Here are some of the websites I visit for neat ideas. (click on the images to visit their website)




Basically if you have a design program; Photoshop, Indesign or Illustrator you can make your invite very easily. All you need is your imagination. If ever you have any questions give me a shout out!!!
Am I the only one that decided to spread the word via email? What did you do?

Vintage or modern?

First off, as all of yous must of noticed that I haven't been around much. The last couple of weeks have been hectic, which explains my lack of posting. It shows that the holidays are just around the corner. Regardless of all the shopping and snow, the planning must go on and my indecisiveness regarding my hair continues.

I'm still not sure whether or not I will go to the hairdresser for my bridal hair. My maid of honor offered to do my hair - free of charge of course. Now we all want to cut expenses... but I don't know if my hair is the way to go. I know what she will do will be beautiful... but it won't be like the magazine clippings I have been accumulating for the past year. Hair is just hair... but it is my big day and I want everything to be so perfect.

Since I have a strapless dress, and a choker style necklace, I think it would be best if I chose an up do.... but my big dilemma is whether I should go vintage or modern?

Images courtesy of Brides.com

You all must know by now that I'm having a vintage inspired weddings (30s) but I don't know if I should go all out and include my hairstyle too. What do you think? I love the look of the 30s and my hair is long enough to do practically all the styles imaginable... but I have to take into consideration that I have a elbow length veil... and not a blusher (which happens to be the typical vintage inspired veil)

Images from left to right: google, instyle weddings,
anne barge, and inside weddings

I also really liked the idea of a having a low updo (I don't even know if that makes sense) like in the top 2 pictures (of the modern section) Like a low bun or something along those lines. I even purchased a rhinestone comb for the extra sparkle.

I need your opinions on this one. First off - should I hire a professional to do my hair? Secondly, do I go vintage or modern? I know you will all say... I have to try the look to know, but at the same time, I don't feel like paying for trials if in the end my MOH will be doing my hair... HELP

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!!!

.·:*¨¨*:·.
.·:*¨¨*:·
.·:*¨¨*:
.·:*¨¨*
.·:*¨¨
.·:*¨
.·:*
.·:
.·
.
.·
.·:
.·:*
.·:*¨
.·:*¨¨
.·:*¨¨*
.·:*¨¨*:
.·:*¨¨*:·
.·:*¨¨*:·.
.·:*¨¨*:·.
.·:*¨¨*:·
.·:*¨¨*:
.·:*¨¨*
.·:*¨¨
.·:*¨
.·:*
.·:
.·
.
.·
.·:
.·:*
.·:*¨
.·:*¨¨
.·:*¨¨*
.·:*¨¨*:
.·:*¨¨*:·
.·:*¨¨*:·.
.·:*¨¨*:·.
.·:*¨¨*:·
.·:*¨¨*:
.·:*¨¨*
.·:*¨¨
.·:*¨
.·:*
.·:
.·
.
.·
.·:
.·:*
.·:*¨
.·:*¨¨
.·:*¨¨*
.·:*¨¨*:
.·:*¨¨*:·
.·:*¨¨*:·.

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