HI all!
As the big day gets closer and closer, a lot of my spare time has been spent planning the things that I was not able to do the minute T popped a stunning ring on my finger.
It has been an interesting journey for sure, but an enjoyable one.
I have been amused by the number of times people have seemed surprised at our apparent lack of stress (we have had our moments, but overall I think we have maintained healthy blood pressure), because there seems to be an expectation that wedding planning is/must be/always will be/absolutely has to be stressful.
I think in all seriousness that Troway has put in a massive amount of effort in terms of the non-stress factors. Delegating certain things to him to decide on has helped a lot, and he has been an excellent source of reason when I was unable to make up my mind.
We have had a lot of support from family and friends as well, which of course helps as you think through options or look for inspiration to maintain levels of creativity without getting too absurd.
I think my favorite part of the entire process has been thinking through ways to create an event that highlights both of our individual personalities, while also showing off our relationship. When our celebrant asked us to sum up what we wanted in a ceremony, we came up with "Catholic American New Zealand Maori fusion." I like it :)
Something that surprised me in this process was how much I enjoyed dress shopping. I am not normally a huge shopper, especially on items that come with a single-use large-ish price tag. I quickly learned that what I thought I wanted was too big, too heavy and made me look like a cupcake. It did not make me feel like a princess, it just made me tired haha. More surprising was finding out that the style I liked the best was pretty low on my original "to-try list." But I lucked out and have a beautiful gown. Photos to come of course!!
A very short list of some of the things that have been said to us throughout this process (some amusing, others occasionally less so...). I have included my mental response in brackets for your amusement.
Why would you waste money on a wedding? [Ummm because we want to and it is a great time for a reunion of all our favorite people in the world}
You seem more excited than nervous, that's weird.... [I have no doubt the nerves will hit at some point, but why wouldn't I be excited??]
If I do not like your chosen vendor, I will fire him/her myself. [Keep dreaming, it is not your day and therefore not your choice].
Nobody has asked me that question before, I don't know... [fortunately that was a written response so the shock at slack customer service was less apparent by the time I replied]
Are you just ready for it to be over? [Nope, the day will fly by, even though I am sure it will be a long day at the same time. The rare opportunity to have all of us together in one place is something to be savored and I do not want to wish any of it away]
Have you thought about...... [wait, that list would take too long so I will skip it :) ]
You're a rockstar!! [from my florist, when I paid the bill early, and told her I was more interested in her professional artistic opinion than Pinspiration]
It is all about the two of you and what you want. [from our celebrant as we discussed ceremony options]
My family will arrive in two weeks time, cannot wait to see everyone and show off NZ to those who have not been before. I am sure there will be lots more too tell soon as we wrap up the final things.
And if you are lucky I will get around to posting some of the summer break pictures/adventures....Cross your fingers for that to happen because some of it is pretty cool. I have been busy quilting rather than blogging....
