Day 5 as a married couple

So, I've been a little late in updating the blog in regards to all the wedding madness before the big day.

So let me take us back in time, to about Thursday September the 9th. The day was actually running pretty smooth. I spent the day in the salon getting my waxing done (not too close to the wedding encase of any bumps), and getting my hair done for the rehearsal dinner that night. This was day three for me at the salon, in a five day period, and I was really enjoying it.

That night the rehearsal ran fairly smoothly. Veronica (wedding planner), had joined us and everyone learned their roll for the wedding. Father Michael was completely amazing, and since Michael cannot hear out of his right ear, moved to a better position with his back against the congregation so he could ensure that Michael would hear what to say for the vows. We have to really say how very impressed we were with that. That night we headed over to Alioli for our rehearsal dinner. Heather and Tony hosted, and everyone had a great, full, time :).

I had gotten a call that night from Frank (a graphic artist in my office building), that the name cards were ready. So Judy, Lillian and myself headed over to pick them up and start rolling them. The place settings were on parchment like paper, and the top was a scroll with the menu. I went to pick it up, and to my horror, it was completely incorrect. He had made them letter size, so they were huge. Lillian, Judy and myself went over to kinko's and had to do some fast moves to rectify the situation. We manged to have everything done, but this was now 3 something in the morning, so the rolling of them would have to be done the next day.

The next morning Judy, and Jen came over early and we all started rolling. We ran into another little issue, with the whole punch, but luckily that was easily remedied by cutting the plastic hole punch in pieces so the paper would fit. We managed to finish everything and get it all to the hall in time for them to set it up.

The wedding day:

The day started off early. The girls all made it to the hall for 6am. I had spent the night with Vikkie, and her and I talked to 2 something in the morning. She was great! The wonderful ladies (esp. Maggie) had set up a wonderful breakfast for us that morning. We had croissants, danishes, muffins, donuts, tea, coffee, champagne....they went all out. Everyone's due was different, as every girl is different, but they all looked phenomenal. We went back to the house in shift as girls were finished to get their make up done and cloths on.

When I arrived the girls were getting their make up done by Helena, and the photographers were starting to take pictures. It was such a fast paced morning, but everything was running smoothly. When I was getting my make up done Helena made it that I could have a few quite moments to myself, just a few to think about this momentous day.

We were all ready to go, but the limo bus driver was late. He could not locate us on the map. He arrived at 11 (the starting time of the ceremony). By the time that we got to the church it was 11:30. Everything went according to plan. There was one minor hiccup, but that was resolved :)

I walked down the aisle on the arm of my brother, and i remember looking down the aisle to Michael and just thinking how handsome he looked. As the minister addressed the crowd Michael and I managed to steal a few words to one another (with our videographer listening in on the mike lol). I remember the feelings I had as I held his hand, it was not nervousness, but just a sense of awe at the meaning of it all. I had found the one person out of all this world that I love and that I want to spend the rest of my life with. He was the person that I would grow old with, love and cherish, have good times and bad, but he would always be wine.

The photo session was great, although the bridal party was cold. Silvana took some amazing shots and I cannot wait to see them. I made sure there were snacks on the bus, so we let the bridal party go back and eat while we continued to take pictures.

We managed to make it back to the hotel for some R&R,and believe me I do not regret that. It was so nice being able to take a nap, and put my feet up. Helena was so amazing, and she brought a hot towel and rubbed my feet. She was truly an amazing person, and was just so phenomenal.

When we arrived at the hall there were a few people there, but everything was set up. Winston was there with his steal pans, and I have to say that he was the best. He set such a wonderful atmosphere, and it brought a bit of the island feel to the wedding. I wanted to have something to incorporate my culture.

I walked into my hall, and I was so amazed. Everything was perfect. I just loved the way that everything looked! It was exactly like I wanted.

I wish I could say that the day ran completely smoothly, but there was one hiccup. I won't go into details, but it wasn't too big. I have to say though that the money I spent on Veronica the wedding planner was a complete waste. Perhaps she is good with a wedding from start to finish, but then she should not offer her services for day of. I told her what I needed her to do but she was making more of a mess out of the situation that arose. She was unorganized, and scatter brained, and her ''assistant'' was only good at eating the food and drinking. I have to say that if I had not hired her at all I would have been way better off, she was by no means necessary, or helpful.

However, you live you learn lol. My weddding day however was completely successful otherwise. The speeches were so moving, and the dancing was just great.

I loved every moment of it, from start to finish, and I am sad that it is over. It just seemed to sneak up on us, and now it's day five of being married :).

Right now Michael and I are in Paris enjoying the beauty of this wonderful city, before we are off to Rome. I think that I will keep you all updated until the end of the honeymoon. :)

See you soon.

Signed

Mrs. Rozeeta Jarvis

13 Days to GO!!!!!

Okay so I'm a little in shock that there are only 13 more days to go. I realized that time was coming closer, but at the same time, it feels like time has just flown by. It feels like just a few months ago Michael proposed. I cannot believe that in a few days I'm doing to be a wife :) , but I am so excited.

Things for the wedding are really coming together. We just have a few little things to finish up (Ie. Seating cards). They're little things that are still important, but I'm hoping that by the end of the week everything will be wrapped up.

Michael and I have revisited all of our vendors and made sure that everything is running smoothly. However, on the day of the wedding I have come to realize that I do not really want to be bothered with minor details. Michael and I have hired a wedding planner to deal with the day of stuff. Her name is Veronica and she is just going to make sure that everything is where it is supposed to be, and if it's not she'll contact the vendors.

I realized that I planned everything to this point, but I wanted to make sure that everything on the day ran smoothly without bothering our immediate family.

EEEEE I cannot believe that things are coming together so nicely.

Well I know that I haven't written about my bachelorette, but I don't think that too many details are going to be divulged. All I will say is that it started off with an amazing morning with my bridesmaids at a spa getting our nails done (I got a massage, and green mud put on my legs :) ). From there we went to a fantastic lunch at Korean BBQ. I think that I am going to convert the world to the awesomeness with is Korean BBQ. From there we went shopping until the night life started.

We went to Dirty Martini's, Treasures, and Sugar Daddy's. We just had an amazing night, and all I will say is that I passed out in the limo on the way home lol.

So to my bridesmaids and especially to Saddia and Judy thank you so much for such an amazing night. It truly will be a night that I will never forget. I realize that I will be a married woman, but there is nothing to say that those nights can never happen again :).

I have to repeat.....less than two weeks to go!

The Shower

So this past Sunday (July 25th) my mom, and bridesmaids hosted a beautiful shower for me. It was just so amazing. They had it at a hall (Pavillon Royale), and it could not have been more beautifully set up.

Everything was in pink and white, and just so elegant. I actually ended up wearing a pink and white dress, and it matched perfectly. I loved the food, games, and was so touched by all the people that could join.

After the festivities the girls and I went back to Saddia's place so her mom could do the measurements for the alterations for the girls dresses. After they were done, Michael, Heather, Tony, Gordon, and Grandma came over and we opened the gifts. We're so excited about everything, and look forward to being able to use it when we have our home.

I just wanted to say thank you to my amazing girls and my extraordinary mom for putting it all together for me. They're memories I will have all my life, and I am just so amazed to have such wonderful people in my life.

I also wanted to thank everyone who was able to make it out, and for they're wonderful and generous gifts. Everything was just so beautiful, and it was just so amazing to feel so loved by so many.

Right now with the wedding planning Michael and I are going to choose our engagement photo's tomorrow, we're also going to be finalizing some things with the videographer as well. This Sunday the guys get themselves measured for the tuxes (I know they'll look amazing), and I'm writing all the thank you cards for the shower.

Now just one more hurdle to cross, and that is my 25th birthday :( ....It's slowly getting closer.

See you all soon...just 43 days to go.

It's getting closer :)

So I just checked our counter and cannot believe that we only have 66 days left until the wedding! I'm a little stunned at the moment.

Lots of things have been going on. Michael and I have finished our video session with Bezick. We had to put it off for a few weekends because of the rain, but we finally got to do it. It was a scorcher of a day mind you, but it was still fun. We took some shots at our favourite spot (The country Manor), a B&B Michael and I have been going to for some time.

We also finished our engagement shoot with Silvana. I had such a great time. we took photo's at a couple different locations, and the weather was just perfect. There was sun, but there was no real heat so we weren't uncomfortable. I want to give so many details away, but I figure that I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves when they are up.

We also got the invitations out, and we've already started to get back responses :). Everything is just running so well.

In the next few weeks the dresses are going to be altered, guys will be getting there tuxes, and just the odd little things.

I'm getting married in 66 days :)

The Invitations Are In

I could not believe how quickly they came in. Michael, myself and my mom ordered them two weeks ago from an online store. I had gotten a sample sent to me a few months prior, and I just absolutely fell in love with an intertwined rose design.

The invitations are beautiful, and even though I haven't gone through them completely I am generally pleased. Of course nothing is ever perfect, but these are just really beautiful, and we're so happy with them.

This week is definitely going to be hectic as I am going to try to get them out by Thursday the latest. :) I just can't believe how close it's all getting......Invitations are going out!

The Bridal Party BBQ

I realized this afternoon that I didn't post anything regarding the Bridal Party BBQ which we had at my brothers place on the 6th.

The turn out was great, everyone was able to make it, with the exception of one because he lives in Singapore. We wanted to have everyone over so that they could finally meet each other, and also because there was one person I did not know from Michael's side.

It was just amazing. The party started at 12 (Ryan being the first to arrive), and we last until about 10:30 that night. There was a ton to eat, and drink, and lots of conversation.

It meant so much to be to have everyone together, and having a good time. I feel really good about the fact that everyone knows who they're going to be partnered up with, and that things will (*hopefully*) go smoothly.

I was actually telling Michael today that I would love to have another one before the summer is up, for just another hello....but we will have to see in regards to time and just the wedding is getting so close.

I wish I had pictures to post :( I bought my camera, but the battery was dead :(.

Well there is always the rehearsal dinner. :)

92 Days Left

I can't believe how quickly the time is just going by now. I decided to check on the blog, and to update it, and now there are only 92 days left :S. I mean it's really coming down to it.

So Michael and I have finally chosen a limo service that we're happy with. It really took a lot of looking around. I really thought it would be pretty easy, but trying to find a good price, and a good looking vehicle is not an easy pursuit. We definitely saw some limo buses that were just pathetic looking, and I don't understand how people who spend over $1000.00 for it, but I guess they do. So like I said we found one we're happy with, and it's clean, which was really important to us. It's a beautiful black limo bus, provided by Yorkville Limousines.

The next thing that we managed to knock off our list is we got the invitations done. You have no idea, but I'm super excited. I just love the ones that we chose, and I can't start wait to start getting them out. I realize that I might be singing a different tune when it comes to addressing them, but now it's formal. I know that all the friends and family are aware of the wedding, but now if the official invitation.

There is one thing that I can say for sure and it's that having a long engagement was the best decision for us. I know that many people plan a wedding in a few months, but I love the time that I was able to have to do my research and enjoy the wedding process. I haven't really felt stressed out through everything, and I happy that I'll be able to look back on this experience and not dread the thought of it.

On another note wedding season is upon us, and I have a ton of weddings to also go to this season. My new dilemma is making sure that I have enough outfits to wear to them all.

A Big Mishap

So Michael and I had ordered our rings, and the gifts for the groomsmen, and the company that we went with were super helpful with picking out the items. So last week Thursday I went to pick them up, as everything was ready. I quickly inspected what we bought in the store, not noticing any flaws, but I didn't look at them too deeply.

I went back to the car, where Michael was waiting and he looked at the gifts that we got, and that's when all the issues came out. The gifts that we had got the guys were completely wrong! They had given us something completely different. One of the gifts for the Best Man is different, and that although the right item was engraved incorrectly.

Michael's wedding ring was not what he had ordered, and one of the diamonds in my one of my bands was milky. I was just so crushed and furious.

So yesterday Michael and I took back the things that we bought. The service we received when it came to purchasing the items were definitely not there when it came to discussing the issues. Basically what happened with the groomsman gifts is that they didn't have enough of the one that we ordered, so they changed it to one that they did. Although they are still beautiful items, the fact that we didn't even get a phone call to authorize this change was less than satisfactory. Michael decided to stick with the band, since it's still nice and he does not plan on wearing it that often. He would like to get his wedding band tattoo'd to him (this is his choice) since he does not like to wear jewelery.

As for my wedding band with the milky diamond, they advised that yes indeed there was something definitely wrong with it and they're going to be sending it in for repairs. So the Diamond Company sold me a bad diamond! They sold me a product that they didn't check before giving it to me. If I was someone who didn't say anything, I would have lived with that faulty merchandise, that we payed money for.

Michael and I had discussion, and although Tiffany's might be expensive you know you're getting quality (That's where Michael got my engagement ring).

So currently everything is being fixed, and I hope that it all works out. However, I'll never recommend this company to anyone.

3.866666666666......months left!

So, I decided to check how many days are left till the wedding by looking at the wedding counter on the bottom of our blog. It stated that we have 116 days left, which really sounds like a lot of time. I decided to divide that number by 30 (average amount of days) and 3.86666666 is what I came up with in regards to how many months. I was aware, but I guess not completely.

Michael and I have a bit to still do, and I'm starting to get a bit worried. I know that I have everything finished but a few minor things, but right now I'm worried about the invitations. We've picked them, but I'm getting nervous as I have not ordered them yet. I know that I have a ton of time, but waiting makes me nervous lol.

On top of my own wedding things, my summer is packed with wedding fun :). I just can't believe how quickly the time is going.

Another thing that Michael and I have been able to knock off out 'to do' list is our honeymoon. I am super excited as we will be going on a Mediterranean cruise, that will be stopping in Egypt. I get to see the pyramids!!! Also we will be spending a few days in Paris and I am definitely looking forward to that.

I think that it's time I revised my wedding list and get crunching.....well once I get back from Jamaica ;)

One Ring....or maybe two...plus some major changes

So Michael and I have bought our rings :), with the help of a very dear friend of mine (*cough cough Jen cough*).
We had been looking around for a little bit trying to find something that we both really liked. We were contemplating having something custom made. We both had in mind what we wanted however the issue arose that I wanted something to go with my engagement ring. I had seen one at Spence that was in a flower design that I liked, but that would mean having to purchase another engagement. Michael was fine that, but I wasn't. I love my engagement ring, and it's Tiffany's...why would I not love wearing it hehe.

Anyway, Jen and her family know a jeweler in Square One, and that's where we went. I had found this beautiful diamond band which I loved for my wedding ring. However I didn't like how one diamond band looked with my engagement ring, and decided that two looked better....so now I've got two rings. I'm just so excited about it. We haven't picked them up yet as they're being sized, but the anticipation is certainly there. Also because of Jen and her family they gave us such a great deal, they've assumed the cost for all the engraving. I'm trying to think of something unique to have done for Michael, something that is special to the both of us. I have the perfect line in my head, I'm just not sure if I want to put it on the wedding band. It's something that is special to the both of us, but a part of me thinks that maybe I should stick to the traditional stuff...but then again we're not really traditional.

Michael's wedding band looks amazing. He picked something bigger, with more weight to it. It's white gold, and it's got this etched design in it. He's also having black enamel through the design so that way it would really pop. We've been talking about getting a ring design tattoo for him. He's not big into jewelery and it's something that he would like to do. I'm not too sure about it, but if it's what he wants then I think it's sweet.

The gifts for the groomsman are done, and I'm so excited I think they'll love it. Michael had an idea as to what it was that he was going to give, and we found it. They're beautiful, and I'll hope they love it.

So Michael and I made a major decision the other day, and we've decided to change our DJ. The company we were originally going to go with are perfectly fine, however we ended up finding another company that just suited our needs better. We went to see BB Blanc a couple of weeks ago to get the projection equipment for our photographer. While we were there we learned that they had become MCC's preferred DJ's and sound guys as of November of last year (after we signed up). They basically have all their equipment in the ceilings, and everything is set up for them. Michael and I heard there stuff, and we absolutely loved it, and for the price they gave us we're definitely getting more for the money. We've upgraded our lighting, sound, we'll have two giant screens for viewing, and we're just so excited. The guy we met with, James, was just extremely nice, and we're happy about our change.

So all the big things are finalized, and we've got all the dates and times set (IE. Rehearsal Dinner), the only things now are the little things. We're knocking those off one by one, and we've not got the containers of pepper sauce that we'll be using on the table. I found these cut little glass jars with lids, and I thought they would be perfect. It was something that I really wanted for my family since they all pretty much like spicy food, and this way even if the food isn't hot enough for them, they can add the amount that they would like. My mom is going to be making the pepper sauce, so I think that it'll be a nice touch.

I think that is it for now...I shall keep you updated.

Rose

Been a little busy

Well it's been a bit since I've posted and I feel horrible. Things have been progressing with the wedding, but I just couldn't find the time to update everyone on what is going on. I'll try not to make this too long but I definitely will give details.

With the start of the New Year Michael and I have really started to 'buckle' down with the wedding preparations. Although we had most of the things done last year, there is still quite a bit to do to get things running smoothly. This Christmas season we sent out the save-the-date cards (well magnets) to family and friends. Michael and I had them done up on Magnetstreet.com, and they turned out wonderful. We were so happy with how beautiful they turned out, and I think the family liked them too.

After the New Year we've finalized the flowers, spoke with the videographer (Bezick), and the photographer (Silvana) and set up times to do the engagement shoot, and the story of us video. I am so excited about these two up coming events, and also so nervous. In regards to the story of us I'm a little nervous to say on camera our story, and then have the whole wedding hear it :S . With the engagement shoot, the only thing that I'm a little nervous about is how everything will work. I've never really worked with a professional photographer before, and I just want everything to do smoothly. Michael and I would really love for the photo's to be taken at a spot that is very precious and memorable to us, the bed and breakfast we go to. We've been going their for about five years now, a few times a year, and the people have become like family to us. The only thing is that they've decided to sell, and I'm not sure that they will still have the place in time for the shoot.

I've got the start of the wedding day all booked and ready to go. I've booked the salon :) which is Michaels body hair and mind. The girls there are absolutely amazing, and I'm just so excited to have everyone there on the day of. It's definetely going to be an early morning considering there is going to be twelve us there, but I'm looking forward to it. I have my salon bridal package all picked out (with massage) :), and on the day of they'll have breakfast prepared for us. I'm hoping that my girls love it just as much as I do.

I've gotten all my wedding jewelery done. I met this beautiful designer named Deniz a few months ago and she's designed pieces to go with both of my dresses. I'm not giving anymore details on this one ;).

The flowers are booked. and everything completely finalized. We've gotten beautiful center pieces that are filled with roses and orchids. I would love to go into detail about how it looks, but I think that I want to leave that one also for the big day.

We've booked the wedding designer and she's just amazing. She works out of the hall which is great...and I think that I've mentioned this before.

We're currently interviewing people for our Limo as we have a very specific idea as to what we want. Also, we're meeting with the people who will provide the sound equipment for the hall. They'll provide the projector and what not.

We've decided on the bonboniere's, but I don't have to start working on those for another little bit.

Things are just going so wonderfully, and I'm just so excited :). I know that there is still a bit of time, but it sure is flying.

Well I will update once we start working on more.

OH I forgot we found our invitations. We were deciding whether to go with a company or to go with an online company. We did quite a bit of price comparisons, and we found an online company that we absolutely love. So we've got our invitations :). We're going to be getting those done asap, and then we're almost all set to go :).