Sunday's Best

On August 31, 2008:

- Christian turned 27 years young.
- It was the rainiest day of London's wettest summer.
- We tied the knot in a civil ceremony that lasted 20 minutes!

Before and After, part 2

The next step in our relationship was THE FIRST VISIT. I had used my numerous Star Alliance miles to fly free from Arizona, USA to Frankfurt, Germany. I remember the flight was long and uneventful, but what kept me awake throughout was the thought of seeing Christian again.

Christian had planned a road-trip, and one of our first stops was Heidelberg. This is the small restaurant where I had the best bratkartoffel (pan fried potatoes) I ever ate!



This is just Christian driving. Which he did a lot. Without smiling. He is the most austere-faced person I know. Really. Whenever he concentrates when he drives I think the world must be falling apart for him to frown that much.



Meet the Funkes. Nice, smart, funny and welcoming. I was nervous for only the first five minutes before they put me at ease by making fun of Christian.



We were in the south of Germany enjoying the river; at one point we even went rowing and visited the famed Neuschwanstein castle, which inspired Walt Disney's Cinderella castle.



Another airport, another goodbye. Smiling through the tears. Already starting to wait for the next time we would see each other again.

Yeargh

That's it for today. I promised I wouldn't be bitter and complaining and will not look a gift horse in the mouth...

So.

Yeargh.

Before and After, part 1

As we are nearing the date of the civil wedding, I thought it would be nice to take a stroll down memory lane. I'm hacking into Christian's computer to get some of the earlier pictures, but so what if I get caught? These are my images too...

Our first foray as a group into the desert that was Arizona. This was taken on our first road trip from Glendale to Vegas, passing by the Hoover Dam on the way. his shirt is made of the same material as an 80's car interior, but who's looking?



Our first (and last) drinking game. Christian managed to snatch a shot away from me until the crowd booed him into giving it back. I wish he didn't but it was nice of him to do so. Next day he had the most awful hangover while I suffered no such effects. We then went on to go sky diving at 7am.



The picture that spoke a thousand words. Our friends took one look at this shot of us resting on a cliff edge in the Grand Canyon and said we were going to be a couple soon. How true...



A walk on the wild side... the only reason I look absurdly happy is because I love the guy taking the picture. This was taken during one of our roadtrips around Arizona just before he was due to leave for Germany.



Saying good bye is never easy, and the smile on my face is hiding the uncertainty of whether the relationship would last or whether it was the end of something great.



Of course, the story went on, as you all know... watch this space to see how it unfolded!

Nervous, Excited

Two words to describe how I am feeling about the upcoming civil wedding, in a nutshell. Now, onto deep breathing and other calming excercises...

A Sense of Family

In preparation for the wedding, I am going through some physical and philosophical transformations. Or rather, attempts at transformations. One, I am working out regularly on a weekly basis with a personal trainer. Two, I am making a conscious effort to be home earlier to experience three, more family moments with my little family here in London.

First off, my personal prosecutor, oh, pardon, I mean trainer, is a smashingly cool and extremely fit mother of one, who encourages me to no end and has a body to die for. I told her that my short term goal was to lose two dress sizes by the date of the church wedding. I also told her that my long term goal was to end up as good looking and as fit as her... that said, I have a LONG way to go!

Secondly and thirdly, I find myself rushing home to spend more time with my two babies, Christian and Warrick. Whereas before Christian and I would work or watch tv until we were tired, nowadays we make it a point to spend time together, playing with Warrick. Or, of course, watching tv while cuddling with our little dog. It´s quite strange to think that I am actually rushing home not because of a curfew, but because I want to go home. I want to be with my small family.

I think we aren´t even worried about preparations for the wedding at this point. We are just being ourselves, being relaxed and enjoying this period together. Who knows, maybe the wedding will be rubbish and nothing will happen according to plan or schedule, but whatever does happen on that day, we´ll be fine. We´re no longer worried about the day itself , because we know the wedding is one day, but the marriage will be cool forever.

Or as far as we can tell, anyway!

More Highs Than Lows

I just got a very nice text from someone who does not want me to get married, so it was a bit of a shock. The sms started out with a hi-hello and ended with lots-of-love-and-support. All I can say is, wow.

It´s been one roller coaster ride after another, what with friends and family either: supporting the wedding, discouraging the wedding, etc. I've been on so many uncountable highs and lows in this weekend alone.

Case in point - one high was being able to spend a whole lot of time with an old work-turned-semi-mentor-friend this last Saturday. She invited me out to her house in a beautiful city and Warrick and I found peace for a day with her and her daughter. Seeing Warrick run around in wide, open and green spaces really made my heart soar and for once, I wasn't thinking of my job or my family or any other technical stuff... and it was exhilarating. For Warrick too, I'm sure.

Another high was a potential lunch/dinner I might have with some old friends that I haven't seen since I left Manila. It will be good to catch up and find similarties-differences in our lives, and be able to talk about what we all plan to do next.

The final high, for this week at least, is the fact that Christian is coming home tonight after a weekend trip to Italy to see his cousin get hitched... can't wait for the stories, Chris!

Two MAJOR Things I`m Grateful For...

1. A hyperactive (sorry, Proactive) fiance who is fantastic with a computer.
2. A lot of guests who have confirmed they are coming to the wedding! Love you guys!!!

Letting It All Out

Christian and I met with the our priest two weeks ago, and it was a constructive meeting in more ways than one. Firstly, he helped us fill in an information sheet with our names, ages, etc, and he was pleasantly surprised to find out I was older than he thought I was (thank you Asian ancestry!). He also asked us several tough questions, the first of which was, would I keep my last name or change it to Funke?

I had to admit to him that I hadn`t thought about it that much yet, but for the meantime I would keep my name. There was one instance where he gave me a look, said okay, and wrote "Ng" down. Since then I have had an attack of conscience, and am currently waffling between the "Ng" vs "Funke" side. I`m quite sure that my kids will take on the Funke name, but as for me... "I will think about it."

The second tough question the priest asked was why my parents and family were not supportive of the marriage. I explained the whole "they want me to be closer to them and they want me to marry someone Chinese" with a smile of my face, but then his next question opened up a flood of quiet tears, "And how does this affect you?"

Christian helped out by saying I was so desolate that at one point I felt like it was easier for me to just pack my bags and head back to Asia just to make everything simple again. All I could do was nod silently because I didn`t know what to say. Inside I felt like confessing how I have second guessed myself because of how adamant my parents have been about this, and they are the people I should trust the most, right? But at the same time, I do trust myself as well, and this choice, to me, was something I made after hearing what both my head and my heart had to say.

And while my head and heart aren`t saying "Funke" at the moment, they are both saying I should be with this great, amazing guy... hence, I am still Becoming Funke.

Been Some Time

It has been quite some time since I last thought about or spoke about the wedding. Hopefully it´s because everything is going according to schedule and the schedule is going according to plan. All that we lack are the florists and a DJ for the reception dinner, but even these details are being dealt with.

One of the good things about having a German fiance is the secure knowledge that everything is being micromanaged. So for my current peace of mind, I only have Christian and his family to thank. His mom is already thinking about blooms for the reception, his dad helped find all these wonderfully priced hotels, his brother helped us book an amazing singer for the reception, and my dear Christian is helping people book their rooms.

I, on the other hand, feel like I can´t quite organize anything that perfectly. As yet the dresses of the bridesmaids are problematic due to sizing or consistency issues (one of my bridesmaids is having her dress made elsewhere due to logistics and cost reasons). We´ll see how that turns out =)

Til then, I will be in a state of semi-relaxation, knowing everything that can be under control, is.

Wedding Website Up

Our wedding website (www.julie-and-christian) is up, thanks to the dedication (reluctant or otherwise) of my fiance. Not only did he find a great template in which to bounce off of, he managed to finish everything in record time (I too, say this reluctantly).

Be sure to let us know what you think!

A Little Quickie Note

Dear Christian,

In the midst of all the planning, don't think that I've forgotten you. Don't think that I'm getting too caught up in the details to focus on you. Don't think that I've lost sight of why this wedding is happening in the first place.

I look at you across the "command center" (your parent's dining room) and I see you smile, and I feel lighter. I see you roll your eyes when we discuss girly stuff that you cannot comprehend and I feel like laughing for putting you through this torture. When you worry about the cost of your suit I sigh melodramatically on the outside, but on the inside I am happy that you want to look good on THE day.

This is because it is your day too, and I want you to be happy on the day we celebrate with the world that yes, we are a couple. In spite of the fact that we don't see eye to eye on whether or not to have a wedding cake. In spite of the fact that we disagree on whether our puppy can walk down the aisle with us in a small doggie tux. In spite of the fact that although we don't have A song, we have each other.

I love you. This is why the wedding is happening.
This is why I smile back at you across the table.

Julie

Looking Good

For those of you who know me and my low-maintenance ways, don't laugh.

I just had my hair and make-up trial done today, and the results were nothing short of amazing. For one thing, Sabrina made me feel at ease at being made up (which is highly unusual) and we had a good discussion going on cultural differences. We also had a good understanding of what I wanted versus what would look good on the day itself.

Here's a run-down on what took place:

1. My hair is now uber-curly and, to be honest, quite addictive. I can't stop looking at it and touching it to make sure it is real and it is my hair that is doing all the bouncing and shining.

2. My eyes pop. Not that they were enormous or anything, but they just pop in the most liveliest sense.

3. The bags under my eyes have disappeared and I have enough healthy blush on me to look like I had a good night's sleep.

4. I have changed my mind about wearing a tiara and crystals in my hair. Put on the right way, it is quite tasteful and classy.

5. (this is the best one)When Christian picked me up he actually had to step out of the car to admire me and ask "Is that really you?" (in a good way) as he reached out to touch my hair and give me a soft kiss on the cheek.

I'm getting less and less nervous about how I look now. This can only be a GOOD thing.

Recommended Bridal Shop

If you want some good shopping tips on where to go for bridal shops, the following is a list of the ones I've been to and what my observations were.

US
1. RK Bridal
First off, you step into a huge room full of dresses, dresses and more dresses. As there is no appointment system, you will be asked to sign up on the sheet in the dressing room area on a first come first served basis. Brides to be that sign up later than 530pm or 1pm on weekdays and weekends respectively, are not accommodated. There is a good range of dresses based on the designer/brand, the price range, and the style of the dress itself. You will be asked to choose 7 (max) of the dresses you like and segregate it yourself on a rail. When your name is called, a fitter will come and assist you in your own separate fitting room. What is shared, however, are the platforms and the full-length mirrors outside. I experienced good service and helpful advice from Jocelyn, who was young, honest and dress savvy.
Tips: Go as early as possible. This will ensure your fitters will still be in the mood to help you out. Also, you must have a good idea of what dresses (brand, style and cost) looks good on you - unless you have the luxury of coming again and again, RK Bridal is not the place for leisure fittings.

2. Kleinfeld Bridal
First off, I want to say that I found the most perfect dress here, but it was an uphill struggle all the way. For one thing, my fitter (owing to the bad experience I will not name names) was quite helpless. I showed her some pictures of dresses I was looking for, and she proceeded to bring me four dresses, all in ONE style. When the first one was not to my taste, she despaired and said she would have to start all over again. For this she had to call her manager to help her out, who managed to find me a good, DIVERSE selection of dresses. Then, this same fitter did not want to help me try on a size 10 gown, saying there was no way it would go on. When we (Elisa and I) said we couldn't see the exact fit and therefore couldn't comment, she reluctantly agreed to help me wear it - and it slipped on easily! Finally, she redeemed herself by getting me the perfect dress - only to have the measuring lady barge in and ask pointedly if I was going to get the dress or not as they were already closing. Talk about pressure! I said I would have to think about it, and she proceeded to say how nice the dress fit and how it would take six to eight months to have the dress delivered and I had to make my decision NOW. A total turn-off.
Tips: Again, make sure you make an early appointment so you are not rushed. Asked to be paired with a seasoned fitter who knows the shop's stock inside and out. Finally, educate yourself on the dress-ordering process so as to not be scared or bullied into buying through the use of false information.

3. SAKS Fifth Avenue
I was paired with Caroline, a wonderful woman who admitted at the start that fittings were a matter of trial and error at the start, but assured me that we would be able to find the perfect frock nonetheless in the end. True enough, the first few dresses she bought, no matter how gorgeous, just didn't suit me at all. In less than ten minutes into it, however, she managed to bring out some excellent styles I didn't want to take off! The shop had a good range of all the top American designers, and while the prices ranged in the medium to upper thousands (I fitted $3-5k gowns), all the dresses were stunning and, I didn't have to lift a finger!
Tips: Make sure you bring pictures of what you are interested in, even if it is not something you are sure about. Shops like this allow you to experiment with the look, and seasoned fitters act as stylist to pinpoint the look that makes you look gorgeous, even if it means bringing you something you would normally never select for yourself.

UK
1. Bridal Reflections - Chiswick
Three phrases: Limited selection. A mixture of choose your own and have the fitter suggest some styles. Small dressing rooms. My experience was so-so, neither bad nor good, which makes Bridal Reflections easily forgettable. For one thing, my fitter did not know how to put a dress on me, and would often leave me alone to figure it out myself. She would also provide excited comments for every dress I wore, which singled her out as the most desperate sales person ever. She did, however, help me into the final dress that I liked, as it was a lace-up, and was remarkably patient about ensuring all the laces were done up as if for the big day itself. I guess when she does get inspired, she does get into her role pretty well.
Tips: Make sure you get the outermost dressing room as this is the biggest one. The store has limited options so call ahead to ensure the styles you might want to try on are there. That said, this is a good shop to start your dress shopping with.

2. Just For You Bridal - Bristol
The Best Shop In The World! Lots of choices, lots of price ranges, lots of designers, lots of last minute gowns available for trial and to take home then and there. There were a lot of dressing rooms and a dedicated section for bridesmaids as well. Lots of friendly yet honest people (my fitter was the best - Vanessa), who can make you feel at ease right away. They provide hoops for you to try with under your dress, and also advise you when the hoop is not necessary. The viewing area is huge and they also have large, antique mirrors that make you feel like a princess when you look into them with your dress on. If I were forced (at gunpoint) to reveal one flaw of the shop - it was that it was too popular and there was a point where it was hard to reach the registrar with the sea of people in front of me.
Tips: Book early! Arrive early to be able to peruse at your leisure. Try to book your bridesmaids appointment around the same time as yours. Make sure you look at everything as all the dresses are fab.

3. Gillian Roberts - Eltham
Loads of friendly people and seasoned fitters who will easily tell you if the dress sucks or if it is the cats meow. The fitters help each other out so you get a feeling of comfort of being at home. You are also allowed to browse at your leisure and select dresses you'd like to try. Based on this, the fitter will bring out more of the styles that work, so you get the benefit of their expertise as well. There is also a second floor for bridesmaids, making it an ideal one-stop shop!
Tips: Again, book early! Arrive early with your bridesmaids in tow so they can also have their dress trials! The dress styles are more limited compared to Just For You Bridal, but all the gowns are gorgeous and, given the time, I would have loved to try all of them on (and I am not a girly girl, so that is saying A LOT)!

TIRED, SLEEPY, CRANKY

Tired.
Christian is busy working on the layout and graphics for our wedding website. I am busy writing the text for the site.

Sleepy.
I've been researching on which hotels provide value for money in the Konigstein im Taunus area and the Frankfurt area. Both out of my areas of expertise, but I persevere nonetheless (I want my guests to come and be comfortable!!!).

Cranky.
Websites were not built in a day. I now have new(er) respect for my fiance's creative side. However, my pictures in the site end up looking washed out next to his tanned face. Argh...

Readings - Bible or No?

I am currently debating whether or not to read passages from the Bible during the wedding ceremony. Part of me wants to stick to tradition, as there are some lovely text about marriage and partnership. However, I also like the following, just because these words, from other men, speaks of Love the way I always wish I could.

1. From "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho
"Well, why did you say that I don't know about love?" the sun asked the boy.
"Because it's not love to be static like the desert, nor is it to love to roam the world like the wind. And it's not love to see everything from a distance, like you do. Love is the force that transforms and improves the Soul of the World. When I first reached through to it, I thought the Soul of the World was perfect. But later, I could see that it was like other aspects of creation, and had its own passions and wars. It is we who nourish the Soul of the World, and the world we live in will be either better or worse, depending on whether we become better or worse. And that's where the power of love comes in. Because when we love, we always strive to become better than we are."

2. From E.E.Cummings

A.
i love you much(most beautiful darling)

more than anyone on the earth and i
like you better than everything in the sky

-sunlight and singing welcome your coming

although winter may be everywhere
with such a silence and such a darkness
noone can quite begin to guess

(except my life)the true time of year-

and if what calls itself a world should have
the luck to hear such singing(or glimpse such
sunlight as will leap higher than high
through gayer than gayest someone's heart at your each

nearness)everyone certainly would(my
most beautiful darling)believe in nothing but love

B.
i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

C.
true lover in each happening of their hearts
live longer than all which and every who;
despite what fear denies,what hope asserts,
what falsest both disprove by proving true

(all doubts,all certainties,as villains strive
and heroes throug the mere mind's poor pretend
-grim comics of duration:only love
immortally occurs beyond the mind)

such a forever is love's any now
and her each here is such an everywhere,
even more true would truest lovers grow
if out of midnight dropped more suns than are

(yes;and if time should ask into his was
all shall,their eyes would never miss a yes)

3. From "The Little Prince" by Antoine De Saint-Exupery
"Nothing is perfect," sighed the fox.
But he resumed his train of thought:
"My life is very monotonous. I run after the chickens; the men run after me. All the chickens are the same; all the men are the same. Consequently, I get a little bored. But if you tame me, my days will be as if filled with sunlight. I shall know the sound of a footstep different from all the rest. Other steps make me run to earth. Yours will call me out of my foxhole, like music. And besides, look over there! You see the fields of corn? Well, I don't eat bread. Corn is of no use to me. Corn fields remind me of nothing. Which is sad. On the other hand, your hair is the colour of gold. So think how wonderful it will be when you have tamed me. The corn, which is golden, will remind me of you. And I shall come to love the sounds of the wind in the field of corn..."
The fox fell silent and looked steadily at the little prince for a long time.
"Please," he said, "tame me!"
"I should like to," replied the prince, "but I don't have much time. I have friends to discover and many things to understand."
"One only ever understands what one tames. People no longer have the time to understand anything. They buy everything ready-made from the shops. But there is no shop where friends can be bought, so people no longer have friends. If you want a friend, tame me!"
So the little prince tamed the fox. And when the time for him to leave was approaching:
"Oh!" said the fox. "I am going to cry!"
"It's your own fault," said the little prince. "I never wished you any harm; but you wanted me to tame you..."
"I know," said the fox.
"And now you are going to cry!" said the little prince.
"I know," said the fox.
"So you have gained nothing from it at all!"
"Yes, I have gained something," said the fox, "because of the colour of the corn."

So, to conclude - I wish these were my words, as these are my thoughts:

Christian's hair isn't the colour of corn, neither am I a fox that was looking to be tamed. Still, it happened. Love happened, and now I have gained something.

Updates So Far

Back from the US, and here are the updates so far:

Done:
- Selected Church and reception venue
- Received all invitations from Irasema (THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU)
- Scheduled make-up trial this March
- Scheduled meeting with the priest this March

In Progress:
- Narrowed the dress choices down to two similar designs (difference is in the straps)
- Christian is still on the look-out for photographers and videographers
- Sent some guests save the date emails

Not Started:
- Assemble and send out invitations
- Discuss needs with florists
- Look for reception entertainment
- Set reception agenda (argh!!!)

Post Gown Trials

Together with Elisa (my lovely colleague who graciously encouraged me to have this experience and wouldn't let me cancel), I headed over to Sask Fifth Avenue for gown trials... with Carolyn there to suggest, comment and (force) fit, it truly was a one-of-a-kind moment. The kind that you look back on and laugh and sigh happily afterwards.

First off, I was given cold water to refresh myself, and time to peruse the catalogue that detailed when designers would come in for their trunk shows. Tip: to all future brides out there, this is a great chance to see the new gowns by the designer of your choice in a relaxed setting, usually with champagne on hand! Some stores are on an appointment only basis, while others usually consider this event to be an open party.

I was then led to a big room full of chairs and mirrors, as well as a cute center stage, raised in the middle of the room. This was where Carolyn would drape down dress after dress and help me step into it. The raised platform made it easier to see the flow of the dress in its full length, and it also made it easier to see how the train of some dresses looked "full bloom".

Out of the eight or so dresses I tried on (in the span of an hour), there were two that really caught our eyes (three pairs of eyes are crucial - the eyes of an honest friend, the eyes of the attendant, and your own): one was a strapless, lacey Melissa Sweet dress that had a short but sweet chapel train; the other was a ball-gown, halter, heavy satin dress by Vera Wang. These were both very different looks (romantic versus modern), but these were the dresses I didn't want to take off.

Two more bridal salons to go, and I'm hoping to leave with some good top five choices...Cross fingers!

SAKS Fifth Avenue

I'm heading over to Saks Fifth Avenue for gown fittings (trials) after work... way over my price range and budget but, cross fingers!

My HTB is Gr8!

Just a quick (overly sweet) run-down of why my HTB (husband to be) is the best:

- He thinks I will look good in any wedding dress
- He is spurring me on to get in shape for said wedding dress
- He helps me schedule meetings with wedding suppliers (make-up, etc)
- He keeps me updated on the progress of Warrick

This list will go on, I'm sure, but for now, lots of pogi (Filipino word for handsome) points earned! I'm holding on to these memories each time I start worrying about the wedding day. With him at the end of the altar, everything will fall into place, I'm sure (otherwise he would be on his mobile ready to fix whatever went wrong) :)

One $10 Bridal Magazine, One Million Stories

US bridal magazines are the closest thing in weight to a Guttenberg bible, in my mind. En route to Philadelphia from New York, I bought one thick one worth $10 in price but $100 in value, due to the sheer volume of dress styles and reception ideas!

That said, all these choices are again making me feel ill, in the sense that I haven't really managed to nail down an ideal style for myself. I liked so many of the lacey, romantic dresses, but then the stylish, asymetrical modern cuts also made me pause and think twice. I'm glad I can read about other brides and their experiences in choosing dresses, at least I know I am not alone in my dilemas.

One bride wrote about how she realized she was going overboard with her planning when her HTB (husband to be) had to remind her that their wedding account was all used up as she continued to tear page after page of pictures from her stack of magazine. Another bride recounted how her mother actually asked her point blank why she didn't want to spend more of their cash to have a more lavish wedding than a simple 20-person backyard barbeque.

If I did write to the magazine to tell them my story, it would begin like this: Once, there was a girl who never thought she would get married to her best friend; And end like this: Unfortunately she fainted at the altar because she was worried nothing in her wedding entouraged and decor matched (and her wedding dress was cutting off her circulation).

The end.

Three Weeks

Three weeks in the US without Warrick or Christian... but two weekends in New York with the option of going into RK Bridal or SAKS.... hmmm....

Choices, choices, choices....

Maggie?!

There's this bridal gown brand/designer that I love, as all her dresses seem marvelous to me. However, should I put all my eggs in one basket and just focus on the one designer I know fits me well, or should I branch out more and blind myself with even more websites/magazines/etc?

The trouble with me not being as girly as I could be is that I have no clue what to do when it comes to dresses. All of them look pretty to me (except the ones that look like they could stand on their own - still pretty, but bionic) so it's quite hard to narrow things down. Thankfully I went on a fitting spree (see older post) and now I know what "shape" fits me (and makes me look a dress size smaller).

I'm off to New York and Philadelphia next week (argh - more on this in TheLeatherDiaries.blogspot.com) so hopefully I can cram into one of their big bridal shops and scout some more.

Or I might just end up back with my first love... a Maggie dress...

Time Flies - So Thanks for M&S!

Wow, it's almost February and all the things I planned to do by January just isn't coming to pass. For instance, I still haven't visited the church or the reception, I still haven't managed to process my papers for the civil ceremony, and I still haven't ordered my dress or that of the bridesmaids and my maid of honor.

Que horror. How can I be so behind schedule?

Well, for one, I have been spending too much time kidding around with my fiance without really having a proper sit down about the wedding. It's something that we both believe will sort itself out, although I do have enough common sense to realize that if I don't order the dress - I will have nothing to wear - TO MY OWN WEDDING.

Which is why - thanks to M&S - I have a back-up dress for only 35 GBP ($70 USD) that I bought online in the store's after Christmas sale. It was marked down from 125 GBP ($250) and it is hanging in my closet in a perfect plastic cover.

Muy bien!

Super Ebayer, JUST EMBOSSED (Irasema)

I posted a blog some days earlier about the super printer of our wedding invitations. Here is the link to JUST EMBOSSED on eBay, for all of you who want to use Irasema's products and good advice!

http://stores.ebay.com/Just-Embossed-Stationery

The C Word

Picture this conversation I had with my wonderful fiance last night.

Me: Do this, blah, blah, blah.
Him: Why should I, blah, blah.
Me: Because, blah, blah.
Him: Argh, blah.

Familiar? This is what all couples tend to hear when they are arguing with their significant others. Depending on who you listen to, each person is in the right, and the other person is essentially the spawn of the devil. This is because it is hard enough to do the C word as a single person facing your mom, your boss or a friend, so it is doubly hard to do it with someone who is supposed to love you no matter what you say or how you say it or what you do regardless of what they say.

The C word I am talking about, of course, is COMPROMISE.

An easy word to say, a harder action to follow-through on. It literally means a promise made together by two parties (at least). The difficulty sometimes, is in realizing such a (half) meeting of minds can exist in the first place. This is because relinquishing the right to decide and rule the conversation is an alien action for two strong-willed (i.e. stubborn) people, who are used to getting their way because they believe it is the best AND the therefore, the only way possible.

Trust and respect for each other should come into play at this point, although it does take time for it to sink in. At the time of deadlock, both parties should take a step back and wonder why they are with each other in the first place. While this reaction could lead into an unfortunate break-up (i.e. "Why am I with you? Argh!!!! I want a pre-wedding divorce!!!!), it could also lead to a realization that the other party is smart and deserving of trust and respect (why else would we be with them in the first place?).

This won't always happen, of course. No one can put their hands on their hearts and promise to always take the step back. It has to be two people making the same promise for it to work... ergo, every couple should compromise to compromise.

It's a dirty job, but two people have to do it.

Something New?

This is what I might decide to wear on the day of the wedding:

1. Something old - a necklace/bracelet given to me as a present some time ago.
2. Something blue - my boquet will have red and blue flowers/berries.
3. Something borrowed - I'll be asking a friend of mine to lend me her handkerchief.
4. Something new - jinnylashes!!!

For those of you who haven't heard of the latest in non-invasive cosmetic improvements, this one tops the list of "best invvestments ever." Not only does it gives short-lashed ladies a chance to wink, it gives us a chance to flutter butterfly "eye-wings".

I saw a salon in London by chance today, and decided to give it a go as a test-run for the wedding. My technician, June, was kind enough to explain how I would benefit from Jinnylashes (because of my oriental eyes and the lack of a wide and defined eyelid, my lashes were next to non-existent),walk me through the hour long process and answer any questions I had.

First off, there is a choice of a full or a half set, or 150 or 80 lasshes, split between both eye lids. There is also a choice of length, curl and thickness of each lash strand to take into consideration. Once my choice was made (well, I asked June to choose as I didn't want to end up with eyelid weights), June then asked me to lie down and close my eyes gently as she began.

She gently taped my lower lashes to my upper cheek to keep them out of the way, then began combing through my upper lashes to find "pockets" of where she could place the fake lashes. Once she glued them on, she held each strand steady for a few moments, all the while keeping up calming chatter. So calmning in fact, that I soon began snoozing... talk about Beauty Sleep.

When I woke up, June was softly combing through my lashes again, ensuring that they were well separated and didn't clump in a masacara disaster kind of way. The results, for me, were amazing, as I now had proper lashes that looked natural. June then warned me not to close my eyes too tightly, now wash my face, nor wash my eyes, or do anything else to disturb the lashes, for the next 24 hours.

This is why, six hours on, I am trying to avoid watching sappy tv shows and films so I don't have to cry and wipe my eyes. Hey, something that makes me look good and encourages me to be happys is definitely something I want to have on my wedding day!

Voting Time

I want our puppy to wear a doggie tuxedo on our wedding day. Christian doesn't agree.
What do you guys think?

Location, Location, Location

My wonderful fiance has chosen and booked the following venues for our wedding:

Church - http://www.evangelische-kirche-falkenstein.de/
Reception - http://www.kempinski-falkenstein.de/en/home/index.htm

That's what love can do.

Crying Because...

I just finished watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding on tv... and realized that ending of one big happy family won't be applicable to me.

US vs. UK Prices

Wow...

This is all I can say after comparing the price of buying a decent wedding dress in the UK and a GREAT one in the US. Given the exchange rate, the fact that there's more competition and selection in the US and, most importantly, the fact that I'm going there for three weeks...

Wow.

The thing is, everyone thinks that dress shopping is the type of activity every girl wants to experience and re-live. That may be true, if (big if), you can find the right dress. That may also be true, if (bigger if), one knows what the definition of "right" is.

This is why it's great that I get to see what the other side of the Atlantic has to offer. The more choices there are, the greater the chances that the one that will tug at my heartstrings (and make my fiance cry when he sees me), is out there.

I'd like to think there is a dress in the US, with my name, and my ideal price tag on it.

Wow!

In or Out?!

Sorry to bring some of my audit/accounting background into this supposedly fun blog, but what is the CUT-OFF point with regards to deciding what ceremonies to include on the day of the wedding? Case in point:

- Do we have the flower girls throw flower petals as they walk down the aisle and later incur a 50 euro mop up fee?
- Do we make the flower girls wear their own dress, ergo they would be happy and more comfortable? Or do I dress them in my vision of a mini-cake?
- Do we have the groom and his entourage wear matching suits or just matching ties?
- Does the mother of the groom and the father of the groom get to walk with the groom down the aisle if the bride will have no one from her family walking her?
- What song should be played when the bridal party comes in and what song should be played when they are leaving the church?
- What readings to have during the ceremony - new testament, old testament or neither?
- In what languages do we say our vows (I am Chinese-Filipino and Christian is German)?
- If the wedding will be held in Germany, why can't we have schnitzel for dinner and apfel strudel for dessert?!
- Will rice or flower petals be thrown at the bride and groom as they exit the church?
- Is it normal to have pets present during the festivities?
- Why do I have to wear white?!?!?!

27 Dresses? Hopefully NOT!

I plan to continue this posting at a later date. So far I have:

1. Contacted 1 online wedding gown retailer.
2. Visited 2 bridal shops in the UK.
3. Fitted a total of 3 dresses in each shop.
4. Found 4 Maggie Sottero dresses online that I would love to fit.
5. Decided to visit 5 more bridal shops (in the UK and in New York while I am there for work) and then call it a day.

So, I plan to fit way less than Katherine Heigl's 27 Dresses.... here's hoping I reach my quota.

Unfortunately, when I do find THE dress, how will I know it's THE dress? So far I haven't gone teary eyed or nostalgic, although I did admire how some of the bodice hugged my (ahem) curves more than most.

Watch this space!!!!

Guest List Dilemma

Given that we have a budget for a maximum of 100 guests, my fiance and I have decided to invite 50 guests each. My side of the list, however, poses a few problems.

A few people have already warned me they would not be able to come given their personal circumstances (and I am happy for them since they will all be busy with their brand new babies - Congratulations to all you guys!!!!), so while I will still send them invitations, this frees up some seats...

The question now is - do I still stick to my original list or add some more to make up the 50?

HMMMMMMM......

Benefits of eBayers and eBay

Just wanted to give a shout out to Elisa Chian for helping me solve the invitation dilema. Not only did she recommend a great printer (the same one who did her wedding invitations), she recommended the PERFECT printer.

For all of you eBayers out there, I recommend JUST EMBOSSED (contact name: Irasema) for all your invitation needs. Not only does this super eBay seller offer a good variety of stationery, prices and flexibility are second to none!

I selected an invitation that came with transluscent covering with our (myself and Christian's) name in red font, with a tag of the guest's names in blue font. The invitation pack included the actual invite, the reception card, an rsvp card and the return envelope. In addition, Irasema also included thank you cards and envelopes in a special agreement.

I can't wait to see what the actual invitations look like... so far Irasema has done all the proofs and now I just have to get my butt in gear and send the guest list and addresses through!

Super Christian to the Rescue!

Wow... my fiance has got to be the best living, breathing fiance in the world! He actually found the reception venue, the church, and the priest! Plus, he booked ALL OF THEM!

So, 50% of the wedding is nailed: the wedding will be held in October, near Frankfurt, Germany.

Now, all I have to do is...everything else...

The Story So Far...

Since I've annoucned my engagement (to a certain Mr. Funke, hence the title of the blog), everyone's been asking to 1) see the ring and 2) know how Mr. Funke proposed. While I do promise to post pictures of the ring (and interview my fiance and his paternal grandmother Ila, who made the ring herself, about it), here is the story of how my fiance and HTB (husband-to-be, a common term in most wedding forums)proposed.

Date: November 25, 2007
Time: Before, during and after dinner
Event: The Engagement

My fiance and I were on one of our "date nights"* at our favorite local Italian restaurant. As usual, we had a full, delicious meal and half a bottle of red wine (those of you who know me will know that I do not drink a lot). Over dinner we had our usual laughing conversations, our usual petty arguments (was I too red in the face to be sober or not?) and our usual handholding. All in all, it was a great night.

We decided to end the night early by heading home to cuddle with our pet dog, Warrick* and to snuggle in bed and continue a romantic conversation. Namely, how did we get this far given that the odds were against us (culture, my family, distance, age, etc)? We both came to the lighthearted conclusion that, after almost five years of being together (through tears, laughter and more laughter), it must really be something strong and special holding us together.

That said, my fiance then asked me to hold out my hand, and placed a small, round-shaped box on it. I was confused as I thought it was a pillbox, and that he was force-feeding me more vitamins*. I naively asked him what was inside and he asked me to open it, already fighting a cheeky grin that was threatening to give his secret away.

I opened the box slowly and gasped when I saw the sparkle of a triangular diamond forged into a platinum band. I'm quite sure I said something silly like, "No way!" and started fighting back the tears. Not helping on this matter, my HTB started telling me all the things he liked about our relationship and how great I was (needless to say, I was blushing at this point). He then popped the question, and when I said yes (as if there was any other answer to say), released his grin and slipped the band over my left ring finger.

It was a "typical us" proposal - comfy and funny at the same time.

*More on this in the blog http://theleatherdiaries.blogspot.com/