Wedding Status: Complete success!

Photo courtesy of my cousin Karen. 

It's been a long journey, with all of the running around I've done, and the planning. I'm not trying to but I had my hand in everything. I made a lot of things, and if I had to buy it, I figured out where to put it. (Note to future brides, this is stressful! Accept help from people you trust).

Me being the controlling gal that I am, I'd given my brother a booklet of half a dozen print-outs of exactly how I wanted everything set up. Him and his girlfriend and I believe my dad as well, got everything all set up. They did a fantastic job!! It was amazing to see my vision come to life like that! It was just how I imagined it, and I am so grateful! <3

I was understandably stressed out that morning, but once my bridesmaids arrived at the house, I didn't really have time to think about anything else but what lay ahead for the big day (for the most part)! There was a lot of deep breathing, groaning, and other stressed noises...We got our hair did, and our makeup on, and then the photographer showed up.

( I want to take a minute to thank Ali for doing the photography for us! He is a great guy, and a heck of a lot of fun. Super creative, and his passion for photography really shows through! He put us all at ease, which is fantastic. Unless you're getting paid, I don't know many people that really enjoy having so many photos taken of them. He made it painless, though. If you're looking for a photographer, please check out his website:  http://fotobyali.ca/ )

We headed out to the field across the street to get some pictures done, and my first sign of good luck popped up. For those that don't really know...ladybugs tend to follow me, real or not. I see them every day. I'm not a fan when they land on me, it freaks me out a bit. I'm not a fan of bugs, really. But, I do have a ladybug tattoo on my shoulder, because they are significant in my life. During the photoshoot in the field, a ladybug landed on my shoulder. Sadly, if flew off before Ali could shoot it, but it was there. Amazing! We went back inside for a bit to sit and wait for the limo.

The limo rolled up, it was bigger than expected...but, it was just right once we got in. Plenty of room to stretch out, and just get comfy. My mom rode with us, and it was her first time in a limo! I'm glad I was able to share that with her!! It may have been my sisters first time, too, now that I think about it.

There was much more deep breathing and odd noises from the bride as we approached the venue. I got to say hello to a few familiar faces on my way in, and we were led to the waiting room. Time flew, and before I knew it, I was walking down that aisle with my dad right beside me. I want to tear up again just thinking about it. It meant so much to me to have him there and to give me away.

Now, let me tell you about the ceremony, my goodness! We met with our officiant, Vince, a week or two before so he could get to know us, who we were, and what we were all about. Him and Scott ended up talking about Dungeons and Dragons a lot, World of Warcraft. He, apparently, is a huge nerd himself. We told him what we played, and enjoyed. He took this information into his ceremony speech. I NEVER expected to laugh so hard at my own wedding ceremony. With references to parties, and classes, and Leeroy Jenkins, it was the most amazing thing I had ever heard. I realize that family may not have understood the multitude of gaming and geek related references through the night, but that is who we are, and it couldn't have been more fitting and perfect for us.

We signed the paperwork and became Mr. and Mrs. Coutu, then fled the scene. After a big of a joyous cry, we headed outside into the BEAUTIFUL weather for more photos! Again, plenty of fun and laughter. I really cannot wait to see all the amazing shots that were taken.

We came back into the reception, shared some drink and really amazing food (that roast beef was freaking devine!), and more laughter. There were some incredibly touching speeches (I had to try so hard to hold myself together, and only moderately succeeded).  We managed to visit every table and see friends, and family that I have not seen in probably 10+ years. I will be making more of an effort to see everyone more often once we're settled.

We had some guests come from quite a ways away! I'm so incredibly touched, and so grateful that we were able to bring so many people together. What an amazing day filled with love, hugs, (so much!) laughter, a few tears.

I'm looking forward to going through the bounty that we received to relive some of that love through cards and notes next weekend as well. I'm certain there will be even more tears. I won't have makeup to worry about ruining that day, luckily.

To close, I feel so very loved, and touched. Yesterday went so much better than I could have anticipated. I laughed so very much my sides were a little sore by the end of the night. Thank you to everyone that was there, that helped me prepare, that helped with the setup and tear-down of the decor, and get me through the day without much of a hitch. It really was the best day of my life thus far. (And trust me, I've had some seriously amazing days; various up-close animal interactions, touching/feeding/hand signalling an orca, being in the water with a harbor porpoise, meeting Scott, the proposal, moving in with Scott).
Thank you to everyone for being a part of my life, and this special day!

-Jen Savage-Coutu

One Amazing Bachelorette

So yesterday, I woke up at 4:30am to get ready to catch the first Skytrain of the day. I was IMPORTANT that we caught that first train to make our connection. Keep in mind, I had no idea where we were going, or what we were doing. My Maid of Honor told me that:
- I would want my camera
- That I should be prepared to glam up, I would be treated like royalty
- That I would never eat that much again in my life
- That I needed my passport

Jenn and her husband pick me up with my sister in their car and drive us all to the Skytrain station. I was elated that my sister was able to join, because sometimes health issues hold her back a little. I can sympathize, so I couldn't be happier she was able to join us.

We skytrain to the bus depot and I make a dash to the bathroom while the maid of honor, Jenn, goes to check us in. I presume after a good freakout, I find her at the Amtrak counter. Apparently the Greyhound bus cancelled the bus we booked months ago, and were not obligated to tell us. Also not obligated to refund the money. I'm not feeling to keen to take Greyhound any time in the near future. However, we got an Amtrak bus that left a couple hours later. It was amazing, and got us there only twenty minutes later than the Greyhound would have.

The border crossing was perfect and smooth as can be, despite on lady bringing on a suitcase filled with fruits and veggies, which signs everywhere tell you NOT to bring.

After an uber comfy bus ride, we get to Seattle! We hop in a line of people waiting for taxis, and are on our way within ten minutes. Both taxi rides we take, Jenn hops in first with location instructions for the driver, and to not say where we're going when I'm in.

We arrive at the Seattle Aquarium and wander around for an hour or so. It's a nice little place, though very cramped.

Back into the cab, and we start driving past signs that point to cruise terminals. Eventually, we're on a path that's directly to the terminals, and it clicks. We're going on a cruise! Whaaaaat??

We go through the check-in and board the Star Princess. After we drop our things off in our cabin we do a bit of exploring, and grab some food. Oh the food, let me tell you! If you've never been on a cruise before, it's really cool...For things like drinks (aside from buffet tea/coffee, and water) there is an extra charge. Your credit card number gets attached to your room key. You give them your room key, they copy your room/key number, and you're on your way. Food on the other hand, take what you want, when you want, eat, and that's that. Want a cookie as your walking through the buffet somewhere else? Grab one, keep walking. Want a cake? Ask for one, and carry on. It's amazing!! I had a prime rib dinner in a fancy restaurant that night with dessert. Finished the meal, and just walked off. SO cool!

My sister sat out on dinner, but when we got back she seemed to be feeling much better. We went out to the lounge, ordered some drinks and watched a comedian (hilarious). I think we got some more food, then back to the cabin. Changed into swimsuits under our clothes, and went back outside and watched the first 20 minutes or so of the newest Star Trek movie on some deck loungers under the stars. With our free popcorn finished, and bums wet from damp loungers, and found one of the four swimming pools to be deserted. Wonderful and warm, I think we spent close to two hours in the pool and hot tub, laughing and joking, and just having a great ol' time. Eventually, we got cold and ventured back to the cabin, showered up, and back out for some more wandering.

At some point in the evening, we found a guy doing a little "pole-dance" show. I'm not one for sleazy strippers and that sort of thing, but I do love the athleticism this guy showed. He had some very cheezy winks and gestures to one of the other bachelorette parties around, and I'll admit, he was pretty funny. Crazy strong, too.

As much as we had hoped to cram in as much time as we could, we finally crashed around 1am. There wasn't much to do, some of us were a bit queasy, and tired. It was sleep time. Woke up early the next morning for a yummy buffet breakfast, disembarked, went through customs, and hopped the Skytrain back home!

This was so incredibly unexpected, and I couldn't be more grateful. This is a memory that I will never forget. I am so touched that my favorite ladies for this together for me, and I think we all grew a lot closer, too! This was just simply wonderful. <3  

Bridal Shower!

So this past Sunday, was my Bridal Shower! Organized by my Maid of Honor, Jenn, and I'm pretty sure my bridesmaid Stef helped out a lot too.
It was held in the common room of her apartment building, which was a great space. Plenty of purple and daisy and ladybug decorations. She even had made three posters with various photos of me interacting with various animals printed out. I love those posters...I'm trying to find a good place to put them that won't be obnoxious.

There was plenty of tasty treats. (Actually, I'm going to snag photos from Jenn's facebook and throw them in here.)

There were a handful of guests, who I was delighted to see. My aunt from Kelowna really surprised me! It's my understanding that she didn't come out exclusively for the shower, but it worked out, and I'm quite pleased! My Grandma was able to make it too, and that really just made the day for me. 

Mommy, Me, and Gramma

I was able to see my cousin Lisa, too. I've talked with her quite a bit on Facebook, but I really haven't seen much of her in person. I'm glad she was able to come. I'm glad EVERYONE who showed up was there. I loved seeing everyone again! I think I want to organize a family dinner sometime next year, outside of a holiday. This whole wedding business had gotten me really excited to see family, and I'm realizing just how important and great it is. I've been, and still am shy when it comes to seeing family. Probably because I was just plain old shy when I was little, so I don't know my extended family as well as I should at this stage in my life. I don't always know what to say. I'm making an effort to change that, though. 

Myself and Lisa

I have a couple cousins who have been wanting to meet with me. I'm going to do my best to see them before the wedding. Work hours make things difficult as well, when I don't get back to Surrey until 8:30-9pm.

Want to know something scary though? It's 4 days until the big day. I can deal with that though. It's knowing that I've only got 9 days (if I continue working five days a week after summer) to get everything I need to do done. I have a lot to do because I'm hand-making a lot of things. It's things that I can't really ask for help with, either. I'm pretty certain I've lost my mind...

The wedding shower provided me with many great gifts as well, and I'm and indredibly grateful for! I got some things from my gift registry. They're now settled into my home, and in all honesty, those gifts really make this place feel like "home". It's a great feeling. 

I got some cute little knick-knacks as well, including a jar with a little diorama my mom did. It's Scott and I on a picknic with zombies approaching...Adorable! (I haven't taken a picture yet. Will edit this when I do so). I received a really nice bag of gifts from Jenn's mum as well, which was entirely unexpected! I still can't believe she got me anything. Great gifts though, and I'm so very touched. 

Jenn's gift though...was something else. They were all things relating to SeaWorld, but it was the packaging that was really unique. She had taken a blow-up orca, sliced it open, and with newspaper and pink tissue paper, crammed everything inside. So, when I pulled off the tape on its belly, pink tissue paper came with it, not unlike guts. It was incredibly morbid, but I was amused. 

But first I was a little horrified.

There was also a pop quiz to see how well people knew me. I love seeing everybody's answers, but I have to say that my Auntie Margie really took the cake, making up answers she didn't know. They were amazing and hilarious answers. 

Jenn also had everyone write in cards; either a funny story about me, or relationship advice. There were some wonderful things written in those cards. I know I'll be hanging onto those, along with the pop quiz sheets, for a long time to come. 

If I'm being honest, I had hoped to see more people there, but it sounds like it was a busy weekend for many people! I'm still touched that anyone came, because as I mentioned, I've been fairly out of touch with anyone before I started planning this wedding. I feel so incredibly lucky and loved. Thank you, everyone, from the bottom of my heart. <3 

100 Days to go!

Today, there are 100 days until the wedding. Woozah! We're on the right track, I think.

Scott and I went to get the tux and suits picked out the other day. I saw Scott in something like what he'll be wearing on the day of...and I almost teared up. Oh my. I'm going to be a mess!

I've finished making the invitations. I will be sending e-invites to people I know I can easily get a hold of to save on paper, and money. For those I've have to hunt and track down, they'll be getting something in the mail. I just need to find a place to print them out, or some nice paper, meet up with mom for an invitation party, and get everything sent out! They'll be out by the end of July at the latest.

I'm still plugging away at gifts...kind of wishing I was able to cough up  a little more money and purchase nicer things, but we really need to be so very frugal.

I spent a lot of time today playing with music, and finding some very nice ambient music to play before the ceremony and during dinner. I've got some very fun ideas for when we get the dancing started. *cackle*


I think that's about all I have to update right now.

I can't wait for the big day, to marry Scott, and to celebrate with all my friends and family!
I've been re-connecting with a few family members, and I couldn't be happier. I wish I had done this sooner...Growing apart from family is a major regret of mine. I've changed a lot though, from being very shy around extended family, to someone a fair bit more outgoing. Family's important kids, don't forget that.

-Jen

Time for a Lull

I've finally wrangled up everyone's e-mail addresses and sent out my Save-The-Date messages! Phew! Real invitations will be e-mailed out later this summer.

I've also got some hand-made gifts I'm working on for the wedding party, and some favors for guests....That will probably take me quite a while to work on. I really need to get cracking on those.

For the most part though, I think I've hit that point where I can relax for a month or so before I have much else that I need to do. Time has been booked off from work for everything that I need off, and we've even booked a round-trip flight to San Diego! I found an amazing deal, and had to pounce on it.

I've been plugging away on art projects that I hope to have finished soon, so I can get those up for sale. We've got a little chunk of money stashed up for everything, it's just saving up to make the honeymoon truly special and amazing now.

This is just so incredibly exciting and overwhelming, the whole experience. I've been reconnecting with family members I haven't seen or spoken to in years, I've been on the receiving end of some deeply touching generosity, and the amount of love I'm feeling is outstanding. Love for my family, my friends, and of course my fiance, Scott. It's true what they say, when you've found the right one, you just know. I've never felt anything like this, and it's just so...fun! I'm on cloud nine. I'll spare you all the mushy ramblings of a madwoman, though. I'm very, very happy. I'll leave it at that.

I cannot wait for October! To see so many missed faces, to enjoy good company, food, and drink. This is turning out to be a wedding I never could have imagined myself in.

Until next post,

-Jen

Dress and other updates

This update is a little over-due, but it's here!

  I received my dress! It's beautiful, and very comfortable. I'm incredibly happy with it! I've only got a couple things...The first being that I didn't realize how big the train was, and I need to figure out if I can have it bustled, or something like it. It's also somehow on the long side, so it needs to be shortened a little, and maybe taken in a bit at the side of my bust. Not a huge deal, I think. I may also install some straps, too. Other than that, it's gorgeous. I've had a lot of compliments on it too, so I guess it looks okay on me!

  It's coming to the time for me to send out my STDs (that's short for "Save the Date"). I'm still currently trying to round up all the e-mail addresses I need. It's also that point where I have to send out some very difficult e-mails. Because we have such a small budget, I'm only able to invite immediate family, close friends and aunts/uncles/grandparents. I hate the thought of leaving out our cousins, but we honestly cannot afford it. I will be sending e-mails to the cousins though, inviting them to the website to view the blog, sign the guestbook, and otherwise follow us on our journey. I can't invite everyone to the wedding, but I want to include everyone as much as I can.  Someone suggested I set up a webcam for the ceremony. I'm going to look into this and see if it's something that I can do, and if people are interested. I'm the type of person who assumes nobody would be interested really, but I guess you never know.

  In more exciting news, we've booked our flight to San Diego! We'll be going from the 20th to the 26th, and I couldn't be more excited! Honestly, I almost cried when I booked it. This is my first vacation in over five years, and Scott's first real vacation, apparently. So, this is pretty huge for us! We're planning to go to Seaworld, the San Diego Zoo, and a waterpark that's opening there in the summer. In preparation I'm re-learning the names of all the animals at Seaworld, and how to tell them all apart. That's the kind of nerd that I am. I'm looking forward to seeing plenty of familiar faces, lots of nice weather, and plenty of relaxation and adventure. The challenge now is to scrounge up the money for this once in a lifetime trip!

I think that's about it for now...I'll be sure to post again when I have more exciting news!

~Jen

The Dress!

So this is a short post, but I feel like I need to make another, since it's been a while. I bought my dress! I decided to take a leap of faith and order online. I found some dresses I liked in person, but they are all over my meager budget. I really don't feel comfortable with the idea of wearing a pre-worn dress, either...It just doesn't feel right to me. So, I went with a website called Light in the Box. It's got good reviews for the dress that I ordered. I've also purchased something smaller from them, and was happy with the quality. So, I'm pretty confident in my purchase. As far as progress goes... I have my bouquets finished. Invitations are finished. (I just need to decide on the quest list) Centerpieces are planned, I just need to buy the supplies. Dress should arrive by March. Guestlist...is finished, I think. I am really struggling with this, though....because there are so many more people I wish that I could invite, but our budget just won't allow it. I feel terrible for having to deny some people. I'll be sending them an invite to the wedding website however, so they can still feel included. I can still share my blog posts and pictures with them, and everything but the events themselves. I also have my honeymoon planned down to an itinerary! San Diego. Seaworld, the Zoo, Aquatica, and maybe a little more fun. I want to pack in as many fun and memorable experiences in there as I can. Our budget again is small, and I'm really pushing it...but, I'm also going to be pushing sales in my online shops, and trying to sell off whatever else of my personal belongings that I can to pay for this. I think people might think I'm crazy for trying so hard to a big honeymoon like this, when we're so broke...but this is how I see it. We probably won't be able to take another vacation for another five to seven years after this, so we'd better make it good. I want to have a kid in the next few years following the wedding too, so any other big vacations will be out the window with that. We've got a LOT to save up for and work towards, so I want to have a little fun before then. I think this concludes my entry....I'll be happy to send anyone pictures of the dress (online), or once I actually get the dress, I can take some snaps of the real one, for anyone interested. They won't be posted here, just in case the groom sees this. :P -Jen