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...
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Monday, 28 January 2008
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!
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!
Sunday, 27 January 2008
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
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.
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.
Saturday, 26 January 2008
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!
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!
Friday, 25 January 2008
Voting Time
I want our puppy to wear a doggie tuxedo on our wedding day. Christian doesn't agree.
What do you guys think?
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.
Church - http://www.evangelische-kirche-falkenstein.de/
Reception - http://www.kempinski-falkenstein.de/en/home/index.htm
That's what love can do.
Thursday, 24 January 2008
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!
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!
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
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?!?!?!
- 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?!?!?!
Tuesday, 22 January 2008
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!!!!
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......
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!
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...
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/
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/
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