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
Friday, 21 March 2008
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
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.
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.
Monday, 10 March 2008
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)!
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)!
Monday, 3 March 2008
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...
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...
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