aaronlori

Isn't it interesting how sometimes the people who have the most give the very least, and those who have the least try to give so much? When we started planning our wedding (which initially was a BIG traditional Catholic wedding) we decided we would plan with the intent of paying for everything ourselves, which is a difficult task given I am a full time grad student. My parents have generously offered to pay for my dress and have given us $3000 to cover expenses. Not sure if my FFIL will give anything since he now has to pay for his own trip, although it would be greatly appreciated if he did. I am so thankful for my parents generosity. They have to also pay for my brother's trip down south so they have three trips plus the other things I have mentioned. While not expected, their help was so greatly appreciated.

I'm 2 years older than my FI. It's never been an issue since I think that is pretty close in age. When I was in Grade 12 and he was in Grade 10 some people thought it was wierd, but I thought he was awesome and didn't care that he was younger

Seriously, wow! You did so much for your guests. Awesome stuff.

Bridal Party - Love Story or She's my kind of rain (instrumental versions). We are country fans and while I don't like Taylor Swift I enjoy the instrumental version of that song. My entrance - probably the traditional "here comes the bride", only because I was originally getting married in a Catholic church and they wouldn't let me use it and now that I can I think I might Our exit - Instrumental version of Shook me all night long, AC/DC. It's one my personal favorite songs. There are so many songs I want to include it's hard to decide!!!!

My mother always told me her only regret regarding her wedding was that she didn't have a professional photographer. That always stuck with me so I made sure that I have a photographer who I love. I've booked Julia Eskin for our wedding in the Dominican because I love how her photos are natural and not too edited. I have booked her unlimited package so she will be there from lunch when I start prepping until the party starts that night with our first dances. I hope she lives up to my expectations!

Beautiful photos! I wish I had the body and confidence to do such a photoshoot! Also, I love your hair colour with the highlights!

I don't think OOT bags are a must, but they sure are nice. I'm planning to do tote bags for the bridal party (including the men as their partners will hopefully appreciate them) with a few personalized items and their gift, which will probably be a mastercard gift card or something. The rest of the guests will likely just get mugs. We are going to buy mugs in bulk with our wedding monogram on it. I would like to do tote bags for everyone but they really add up, even if you are just doing the vistaprint ones with shipping it still all adds up. I would also like to do shot glasses and maybe have those put out on the table with votive candles in them. I'm also going to do room key holders which I would never had thought about were it not for this forum.

Congrats on doing those yourself! They look great. I'm going to have to invest in one of those corner punch things they really make the paper look like a boarding pass.

I love the colour choice and all the various shots you've included. I don't think you need invites either. I think online RSVP is the way to go. You can always call the few people you do not hear from.

We have flat out told anyone who has asked that we do not want any gifts/cash for our wedding. We have 50 family members travelling and that in itself is gift enough. There have been a few people who aren't going but still wanted to give us gifts, we politely asked that they just send best wishes in a card! It seems to have done the trick I would feel really bad if people who were paying all this money to attend our DW also gave us a gift. Now, if someone gives us a card with cash I won't give it back or anything, lol.

It's awesome that real brides look better than the models! I would never have picked my dress based on the photo of the model, in fact when I see that photo of the model in the dress I do not like my dress at all.

That's a good sugestion too. I might be using my engagement ring as my wedding ring so it would be nice to have the real thing for the day of the wedding.

My God! I know what you mean, a few minor problems wouldn't be a big deal, but when there are so many added up together that is a different story. That is too bad that your experience was so unpleasant. I hope the Manager and staff take your complaints into consideration. It doesn't take long for word to spread when negative reviews begin to surface. I have a group of 50 booked, I hope my experience turns out to be more positive, especially when it comes to illness amongst the guests.

I'm hoping to have my hair done at the Colonial. My bridesmaids were interested as well, but for nearly $90 US that is crazy expensive. I can get my wedding hair done in Canada at some top salons for less than that Very disappointed with the price. Hope the quality of my hair style makes up for it.

Good job! I like the acknowledgment sections in your program.

The seahorses are so nice. I can't believe you are going to make your own chocolates - now that's diy!

Those are so cute! With the bright colour they will show up very well.

Thanks for sharing!

That looks like alot of time and effort. I bet your guests will greatly appreciate all the info. The design is great too.

Love the funny comments on the luggage tags! Very clever, "take my bag, do my laundry" ha ha.

Must feel great to have that all done! I really like your info on the starfish symbolism.

Thanks for posting that! Looks like they are making progress with that option. I love SKYPE, hope they start making that possible for future brides. As long as you can get the internet connection there should be no issue with getting the laptop up and running with a live feed. I am getting married on the beach so that would be much more difficult perhaps than the beach.

Oryx, you are a great resource of information! I saw that you had your done at the salon, do you remember the cost of the updo? I cannot for the life of me find that info anywhere. Thanks again for all your info! Much appreciated.

You're right, countdown is on . . . 4 months!!!!! Well, 4 and a half months!!!!!! Is that right?! I better hit the gym again tomorrow, lol.

Ditto! But I'm giving mine the option to find a dress that fits their budget, or they can chose to be an honourary bridesmaid and if they don't want to buy a dress they can sit with the rest of the guests (that sounds a lot meaner than I intended,lol, however we were planning a traditional wedding, changed our minds, cost is an issue for some who are travelling and they might prefer being let off the hook with regards to the purchase of a dress).