Our Greens and Blue Wedding Plans

Blog Updates

2011-02-08T22:03:00.002-07:00

I'm going to work on updating my previous posts with photos. I haven't taken photos of the invitations but I have a bunch of extras that I can do a step-by-step photo tutorial maybe. I'll include a few wedding pics that I have as well.

Other than that, I am switching gears a bit. This blog was all about our wedding. I want to migrate into the homemaker/crafter/nester/whatever. I will keep this blog for any interested readers out there.

My "new" blog is https://triple-dot-designs.blogspot.com/ and will feature my journey and struggles and triumphs in my creative processes... Welcome!

Rachelle

Job Update and Christmas Plans

2010-12-17T08:41:00.001-07:00

So I have been doing well. Just really busy. It seems like we thought after we got married, life would slow down a bit but it's turned out that we are either busier or about the same amount of busy as before we got married (minus the wedding planning - which, oddly, I miss doing).

I did well at that Craft Fair back in November. Made some spending money and got a couple orders for more things. It's kind of exciting :)

Jeremy is doing well. He is working in town now (Yay!) for Jim's Electric. He's finding it challenging because there's a lot of jobs that require him to work on things that he's never done before and because Jim's is so busy, Jeremy is working by himself quite a bit and isn't able to always ask for help or advice.

It's good though. He appreciates the blessing of having a job where he's home every night (I do too!) and he's enjoying the lack of fast food for supper.

I'm still working at the retirement home 4 days a week and then on Friday's, I either travel to Tilley and work at the shop for Dad. If the roads are bad or if plans change, I am able to work at home using a program that connects my computer at work to my laptop. It works great and it saves gas :)

Christmas this year I think will work out pretty good. On the 22nd, we are going to Jeremy's parents' house and having Christmas with his family (that's when everyone could be there this year).

Christmas Eve is going to be our traditional Fondue Party with Aunt Lene and Mike at Mom and Dad's house in Tilley. I love it because it's not a heavy meal and you don't feel gross afterwards. We bring out fondue pots, raclettes and small grills and we make steak, chicken, shrimp, and then we have different kinds of vegetables, seasonings, etc. And for dessert, we do chocolate and fruit. It's a really good way to not overeat over the holidays because while you wait for your food to cook, your food settles and your body registers that you're full faster than if you're stuffing your face with turkey, potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, etc.

For Christmas Day, there's going to be a large "Wester" gathering. My mom is thinking of renting out the Community Hall. That way, they have the large kitchen to work with, plenty of space for everyone to go, etc. It should be good. This is our first Christmas as a married couple!

Anyway, since it's Friday, I have to get to working on the Wester's Website.

Until next time!!

Marriage/Life Mini-Update

2010-11-01T19:27:00.000-06:00

So things have been good since the wedding day. Jeremy had been working out of town since before the wedding. Well, we were blessed with the good news that he has been hired on where his brother works, Jim's Electric, here in Medicine Hat so he'll be home every night starting mid-November. We're both really excited and glad that he won't be away so much.

I am still at my same job as a receptionist at a retirement home and it's been going well... things are a bit tense in some situations but I think I'm handling it as best I can.

Anyway, I'm going into this Craft Fair my sister is hosting in Tilley. I am making a bunch of crafts and stuff. I'll have to post about that at some point too... stay tuned :)

We're Back!

2010-08-30T21:34:00.001-06:00

So the wedding - as far as I know - went great. We all had a great time. The ceremony was great, pictures went awesome, the reception and food and program turned out well and everyone has had nothing but complements for us. We had an amazing day. I just think it went by too fast.

Well, now I'll be working on uploading pictures to all the posts. Stay tuned and remember to keep checking back for them!

Rachelle

In the Home Stretch

2010-08-03T20:04:00.000-06:00

So life has been crazy. We just got back from Summerland from a family reunion this past weekend. The weekend before was a Bible School reunion. The week before that was a wedding in Waldheim. This coming weekend I'm hoping to not do anything so that I can wind down a bit.

So far, this week is already ridiculous. I have to finish payroll for work, have a church Bridal Shower, meet with our Pastor, work on favours, centerpieces, prepare for people to see our condo, seating plan, and more.

Now, I'm working on finding some things I put away and need to get. I'm going to go through my lists as well and email the bridal party and MC's the info that I have too.

Here I go.....
Rachelle

Coming Down To It

2010-07-26T21:31:00.000-06:00

Well, it's less than 3 weeks to the wedding and it's getting real. I am doing up some little things - finishing touches - and I'm thinking more and more about the logistics for things and other little things that have to get done. I think I'm getting there, I just wish that I had more time to do some things. Next weekend is full. We're having a Putici family reunion in Summerland so that weekend is a write-off and the next weekend is the last weekend before the wedding so it's going to be a frantic finishing up of all other details.

I just wish that Jeremy was home. He would be such a comfort that no one else could be. I'm glad that he is able to come back home for the family reunion.

Well, back to wedding stuff, I am just working on putting together some activity baskets for the kids at the reception. I don't think there are going to be too many kids but it'll be good to have just in case.

I do have a few other things that I want to do ahead of time so I am going to be working on those things this week as much as I can.

Talk to you all later!
Rachelle

Wedding Bands

2010-07-20T20:40:00.002-06:00

Did I mention that I got our wedding bands? I will post pictures afterwards but I have been carrying them around in my purse since the beginning of July. I'm so impressed. They look amazing.

Jeremy wasn't able to pick his out because he was away for work but we had gone through some jewelry stores ahead of time and he showed me what he liked. I had gone in to pick our rings at the beginning of June and I got the call that they had come in on July 5th.

I went to pick them up on the 6th and I was so excited. I love how they turned out and I can't wait to wear mine forever.

Stay tuned readers!
Rachelle

UPDATE:
Pictures Added!!

I love the way my band looks with my engagement ring!

What's Left?

2010-07-20T20:32:00.001-06:00

Well, I have finished quite a bit in the last while - or so it feels like. I have ordered the last of the decorations, the ties for our ring bearers, my shoes came in yesterday (SO EXCITED!!), favours are ordered, flowers are taken care of, I met with one of our MC's to discuss the program for the reception and she is taking care of that, Jeremy's working on the reception music playlist, I am working on lists to give out to people (instructions/directions for the day before/day of the wedding).

The bridal shower went really well last weekend. I had a lot of fun and there were quite a few people there that I didn't expect which was a great surprise and I was feeling blessed that they were able to come.

My sister did a great job of planning and her and my mom put together a great party. Thanks!!

Now, there are a few other things that I have to work on:
- "preferred photos" list for photographers
- list for "Day Of Coordinator"
- list of instructions for ushers
- list of instructions for take-down of church
- list of instructions for take-down of reception decorations
- itinerary for wedding party, parents, coordinator, etc.
- thank you notes from the Bridal Shower
- small extras :)

I am very excited. 25 sleeps!!!
Rachelle

32 Sleeps.....

2010-07-13T19:10:00.001-06:00

Okay, so it's been a super long time. Time for an update.

First thing is that I'm really excited because I ordered my wedding shoes online. I also went shopping this past Saturday and found some other shoes as well so I'm tossing the idea around of getting them both (huge grin on my face!).

I set tomorrow (our 1 month mark) as our RSVP deadline and I have already heard from almost everyone. I think that's very uncommon! I was worried at first that everyone would say yes and that we'd be stuck with too many people and I would feel super terrible.

Anyway, I finished getting my bubbles ready for the ceremony. I got a container that's really classy looking for them and I'm excited about them.

I have ordered a few more things for the decorations and I'm trying to get everything organized in my head ahead of time.

I ordered our wedding bands - by myself because Jeremy was away on work - and then they arrived and they look awesome. I picked those up earlier this month and I love them.

There are a few things to do. I have to order flowers, favours, and I have some meetings coming up with our pastor and our MC's to get schedules and programs figured out.

I'm trying to think of what else I can write. The bridesmaid dresses are in and the girls like them (bonus) and the guys' suits are ordered, measured, and paid for, the ties and squares are in, the bridesmaids gifts are all done, etc. I don't know what else to write. Maybe you could comment below and let me know if I've missed anything or if you want to know anything in particular. And I will be posting photos after the wedding so that you can all have an idea of the how-to rather than just the finished product.

My Bridal Shower is this Thursday so I'm looking forward to that too. Then I'm headed to a wedding in Saskatchewan. And my next couple weekends are reunions away from home so I'm a busy, busy bride.

Until I hear from you...
Rachelle

Bridesmaid Dresses

2010-06-22T22:05:00.001-06:00

The dresses are in. They arrived yesterday and I think they're great. I immediately took them over to Cassie's and she tried it on over her clothes. I'm excited to see the other girls in the dresses too. The lady said they'd come in 4-6 weeks and today is exactly 6 weeks since I ordered them! I'll post pictures after the wedding!!

Good night everyone!
Rachelle

Finally!

2010-06-08T23:28:00.002-06:00

Invitations are finally - almost done. Let me explain. I have all of my invitations assembled but the majority of them are missing one component and all of them are missing another component. I will be making a map of direction to the church and reception locations and I don't have the information on my home computer. I will be finishing those on Friday which will be a pretty quick task to complete.

The other part is individual cards that include information about registry, accommodations, our wedding website, etc. and I'm just waiting on some more paper to come from my mom's friend (Whisper White by Stampin' Up!).

Also, good news: dark blue wax arrived for the centerpieces. I am thinking I am going abandon my original thought and change it up a little bit. I'm going to make up one first to just check how things look and I'll pick the better look! It'll be awesome.

Another thing is that I got "tissue" (not "Kleenex" brand) packages for the church and I decorated those up a bit and I completed them tonight.

I have a few things to do before I go to bed but Good Night for now :)
Rachelle

Update

2010-05-27T23:42:00.003-06:00

Alright, so, here's an update:

The centerpiece idea that I had from the beginning of my planning was falling through. The colours weren't working together. But, after thinking more about it and talking to my sister, I decided to order a different colour that will work better. I will have to make up a mock one and take a photo of it. I'm very confident that it's going to work out a lot better now!

I ordered the bridesmaid dresses and I'm excited to see them except I have to wait another one and a half to three and a half weeks. I'm sure they'll be great! Oh, I don't know if I wrote this before but I got a dress for myself too - only in a different colour. I can't wait.

This last week was our 6 months as an engaged couple. It also signifies the date that I'm supposed to take my engagement ring in for cleaning/inspection. I haven't done it yet but hopefully this coming week I will have a free day.

As for invitations, I have - mostly - all the pieces cut out. I have assembled... 2... but I'm on my way to more! To envision them is one thing but to finally see the finished product is so great. It's becoming a little more real.

This weekend, we are heading to Edmonton for YC 2010. It's going to be a long and tiring weekend. One thing I'm really excited about is the coach bus we're getting... instead of a 15 passenger van. It's going to be more relaxing that way!

Well, life is crazy but I'm coping. Sometimes I want to scream at my boss, sometimes I want to shut the world off, sometimes I want to stop time... all these are impossible for me so what I end up doing is taking a big (really big) breath and organize my thoughts. I make a mental "To Do" list and it helps me to prioritize.

Anyway, now that I've gotten that all talked about, I'm off to pack for the weekend. Good night!
Rachelle

3 Months

2010-05-16T22:36:00.002-06:00

I can't believe it's just under 3 months to the wedding. I feel both organized and disorganized at the same time. Tonight I am working on making lists for ushers, helpers, MC's, speakers, etc. I think it'll make me feel a little more organized.

I bought ink for my printer today and I have the invitation and enclosure cards all ready to print. I also have all the other extras ready to go for the invitations. I'm still collecting addresses and getting ready to print out address labels.

Other than that, I'm working on other small details.

Can I just say that I feel very blessed. Jeremy's parents and my parents are still together. I have been more and more interested in shows called Wedding SOS and "Rich Bride, Poor Bride" and I'm actually watching one Wedding SOS right now where there are 4 different families to "please" and it puts a lot of stress on the couple and on the families as well. It's so hard to imagine we getting through that but I'm very thankful that that is the kind of things we don't have to worry about.

Thank you Garnet and Audrey and Mom and Dad. You have been a great example to us as a God-fearing couple who desire to have Christ at the centre of the marriage. Thank You!!

Rachelle (and Jeremy)

New Things

2010-05-07T13:45:00.002-06:00

So it's been a while and a few things have happened in that time...

I have moved out of my sister's home and into my own condo. I am renting right now and then we'll see what the future brings. For now, I am loving the quietness and coziness of "my own home". Jeremy has moved a lot of his stuff in already so the transition after the wedding shouldn't be too big except that there will be another whole person living with me.

I haven't started on my invitations yet (eek!) but I'm on my way. I have my paper and ribbon and other things. All I'm really waiting for is a printer and the Internet at my place so that I can get cracking. I do have the return address labels, envelopes, and recipient address labels ready to go so that's good. I also have all my postage stamps and I just have to stick them on the envelopes.

I started my registry at Sears and I've done it all online. I don't know where else to register except this little place called Kitchen Kaboodle downtown Medicine Hat that was suggested to me by my future Mother-in-Law. There's a lot of nice kitchen stuff which would be really fun to go through. I was thinking of registering at The Bay too but I'm not sure about that now. I would really love to register at Home Outfitters but the closest one is in Lethbridge and I don't get there very often.

I still have to order bridesmaid dresses but I wanted to get a little more input. I'm kind of thinking I'll just order them anyway.

We have started our premarital counselling and so far so good. I love our pastor and he's a really great guy who is easy to talk to and he makes you feel comfortable. He's not one of those guys who knows a lot and lets you know that. He doesn't pretend to have it all together - because no one really does!

Once I get my kitchen table - today - I will start working on those lists and getting really organized. I would hate to get to our rehearsal and have no idea what's going on for my own wedding.

Well, we'll see how things go and I'll post more later.
Rachelle

Things Are Arriving...

2010-04-09T00:15:00.004-06:00

So I love the Internet! I have ordered lots of wedding stuff online and now it's just waiting until it all arrives. A couple days ago my table number stands and my string lights arrived. Last week, my ribbon and candle things arrived. Today my invitation envelopes arrived. Things are progressing nicely. I'm beginning to think that there's only so much you can "pre-do" and then it's a bit of a rush the last few days.

Jeremy and I were in Swift Current this past weekend and I found some more candles for the church. We were visiting friends and then family in Eastend. Then we were in Medicine Hat for a night and headed to Tilley for the other side of the family's Easter meal. Mom and I put together one of the centerpieces and I think they're going to be really nice. I'm excited to see it all come together. I hope it works out nicely.

Well, now I have to wait for a few more things. Paper, mailing labels, return address labels, and a couple more centerpiece elements.

I think I'm getting most things done in good time.
We still have to:
- pick out suits/tuxes for the guys but I think we're going to wait until Kevin gets back from Nova Scotia.
- decide/pick out flowers
- order bridesmaid dresses (I have them picked out already)
- REGISTER!
- a few more others I am unsure of right now

One of these days I'm going to have to write out a few detailed lists. One as a checklist, a couple for select people on the day of the wedding (assignments, checklists, etc.), one for things to remember to take on our honeymoon, things to do when we get back, lists for programs, thank yous, and many many more... Good thing I like making lists.

Until next time,
Rachelle

Bridesmaid Dresses

2010-03-25T23:17:00.002-06:00

I have finally found bridesmaid dresses... and I didn't even step foot in one bridal shop.

After "Googling" many many sites on "green bridesmaid dresses" or "green dresses", shopping the the States - where there was absolutely no green to be seen anywhere, I had a hunch and I entered "bridesmaid dress" into http://www.etsy.com. That site didn't let me down! I was so excited to be able to cross one more item off of my "To Do" list. How fun!

They are great dresses that can be worn multiple ways. It's a wrap dress. I'm letting the girls pick whichever way is most comfortable for them and they can wear them however they like.

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/53586594/coda-wrap-dress-in-matte-finish-over-a

I'll post pictures after. In case you're wondering why I haven't posted more, there are a few reasons. I would like for everyone to be surprised (the main one) and some things I need to keep a secret from bridal party or Jeremy. After the wedding, I will update all the posts and include pictures where I can!!

Take Care!
Rachelle

Much Done, Much To Do

2010-03-14T01:36:00.006-07:00

Okay, so since my last post, we have done quite a bit! We had to change our date for meeting with our caterer until later in the week but my parents, Jeremy's mom, Jeremy and I visited Chinook Village to pick out our menu, see what features were available, what the regulations of the facility are, etc. The meeting went really well and smoothly.

After we picked our menu, we headed to the Holiday Inn Express to book hotel rooms and do the whole block-off thing. We got there and we booked rooms but we couldn't do block-offs because the manager wasn't there. I took home her business card and emailed her instead but she has since emailed me requesting me to call her about details so I have yet to do that. I think that will be this week's project.

A couple weeks ago, we booked our honeymoon. We are very excited about it but we are keeping it a secret until after we get back. I'll give you a couple hints, we're leaving the country... and we're going where neither of us have been before. That narrows it down a bit, right? Ha ha.

Last week, Jeremy and I headed to the only Dollarama in town and checked out things for the wedding (specifically: centerpieces). Earlier, I was so excited to find a couple things online that I wanted and couldn't find in any stores here. The things from the Dollarama were for some others that I couldn't find or were too expensive elsewhere. I am totally going to be a (repeat) name-dropper here but, seriously, Dollarama has good quality and many items that you'd never find at your Dollar Giant or Dollar Plus Store. I found the perfect things to complete my centerpiece vision and Jeremy even liked the idea so that's a major plus!

And... my favourite news... my Ring Bearer Bowls (TM) arrived on Friday! It was probably the most exciting week so far in the wedding planning process. I actually got 2 because instead of having a flower girl, Jeremy and I are having 2 ring bearers that are like my little brothers. One will be holding the bowl pictured below and the other will be holding one that says, "I THEE WED" and then our names and wedding date are below. These are going to be heirlooms for our future generations and I am so excited to have them on display afterwards in our home.

Well, we still have lots to do like bridesmaid dresses, invitations, suits/tuxes, shoes, gifts, hotel block-offs, decoration ideas, and more... better get on it soon.

Good night!

Rachelle

The Ball is Rolling Slightly Faster

2010-02-21T15:07:00.003-07:00

So we are getting things moving. Jeremy and I met with Pastor Mark on Thursday and had a great first meeting. We talked about our Christian Life, about the logistics of the wedding ceremony, "tutoring" sessions (he doesn't like to call it counseling), etc. It was really good and I think both of us felt really comfortable.

He is also going to be having some post-wedding classes or follow-up classes after the wedding. I think this is a great idea. For example, you wouldn't prepare someone with all the knowledge about how to become a new believer and to make that first step and then just say, "Okay, you're on your own." No! You'd prepare them and you'd (hopefully) follow up with them and encourage them and guide them in their walk with the Lord. In the same way, Pastor Mark is going to be there for us after the wedding to ask questions, confide in, etc. I believe that it will be very beneficial for us. He hasn't done this before so we're going to be his "test couple".

Well, this week my mom is coming to Medicine Hat so we are going to meet with the caterer along with Jeremy and his mom. We also have to do the whole hotel block-off thing so it'll be good to have Mom there for that as well.

Looking forward to what's to come...
Rachelle

1/2 Anniversary

2010-02-13T15:26:00.002-07:00

So I figured out that our 1/2 anniversary will be on Valentine's Day. How exciting. Hopefully Jeremy will never forget our anniversary.

Tomorrow it will be 6 months to go until our big day. Crazy how time is going by. Have a great Valentine's Day everyone.

Rachelle

Meetings and the knot

2010-02-04T23:03:00.002-07:00

We have a meeting in a few weeks with the Pastor who is marrying us and we still have to make plans to meet with our Catering Manager. I've also been reading that I have to meet with a florist but I'm not sure how that's all working just yet.

We'll see about all that. I feel like I'm at a bit of a stand-still with wedding plans right now. I think that I can't get a good idea for decor or plans unless I know the schedule, table layout, church decorations, and all that goes with that. I think my next focus is going to be getting bridesmaid dresses. I have an idea of what I want... it's just finding them.

I have been researching one particular site that has been a help: http://www.theknot.com From that site, I can build a budget, they have a checklist which has been helpful because it mentions some things that I didn't think of, they have a guest list manager which I haven't tried yet but once we get our list a little more concrete, I'll try it out.

Well, it's bed time for me now. Feel free to comment :)
Rachelle

Wedding Plans... So Far

2010-02-01T00:08:00.001-07:00

Well, not too much has happened since the last time I wrote. We met with our photographers and made a deposit and all that. They are super nice people. Turns out that they met at the same Bible School I went to (Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre) and we have some mutual friends. The world continues to get smaller and smaller the more people I get to know.

Sometime soon we have to meet with the Catering Manager at Chinook Village about the meal and times as well as the Pastor who will be marrying us to discuss all the details regarding the rehearsal, ceremony, premarital counseling, etc. Jeremy's preoccupied with school at the moment so I don't want to bother him with too many things. He has to keep his focus on his classes for now.

Until next time,
Rachelle

I'm Back!

2010-01-28T07:47:00.003-07:00

Sorry, I would have been updating but my computer had a virus so I couldn't. I'll be updating more now :) Stay tuned!

Music and Photos

2010-01-18T01:20:00.002-07:00

Within the last week we have asked a couple of our friends to be our musicians and they are really excited about it. We are excited too. I asked one of my cousins to play piano and sing. Jeremy asked one of his friends to sing with him. They will be great. They're both really great singers!

I have also booked our photographer. Before we were even engaged, Jeremy mentioned that he really liked the photos that this couple took at another wedding we were at. The thing he most loved is that they were not posed pictures. Jeremy's not a fan of standing still and smiling. This is perfect because these photographers "do not believe in posing for pictures" so when we saw that, it was just the perfect fit. We are going to go meet them hopefully this weekend to work out details.

This makes some things seem a lot more real which is good... even though the wedding is still 7 months away.

I'll update more soon!
Rachelle

Initial Wedding Guest Count

2010-01-13T01:08:00.003-07:00

So... pre-pruning (if necessary)... My guest list count is 266! Our limit for the reception hall is 220 and that's technically past the "comfortable maximum." I think that that's pretty good considering that I'm 99% sure that at least 50 of the people I'd like to invite will not be able to make it. I honestly thought I was going to be over by much more.

Now comes the task of "pruning" a bit and renumbering because of babies and other small children that will be in high chairs or that might not come.

Wish us luck!

Rachelle

Reception Hall Update

2010-01-12T19:47:00.003-07:00

So I picked up the catering booklet today for Chinook Village. I'm getting excited about planning the reception. It's going to be a lot of fun. I think once my mom gets back from Arizona, we'll have to go meet with the Catering Manager. She's been through it once before so we'll get to experience that together.

The hall is very nice. My sister got married there and it just seemed like the place to have the reception. I'll write more soon!

Rachelle