A Wedding, A Honeymoon with Vegas Oh My!! (Part 2)

Thankfully I did end up getting quite a bit of sleep the night before our wedding. Justin and I woke up around 7am, and I was to be at Amanda, Lincoln, Chelsey and Josh's cabin by eight to start getting ready. Well, when we woke up, I realized that I still needed to finish our speech for the reception. So I hurried around finishing that, re-wrote it, and wanted to practice it (Justin had barely read it to himself, nevermind outloud!) and re-write it once more, but it was quarter after eight, and we needed to part ways.

I got to the other cabin, Lincoln and Josh went with Justin, and we started thinking about how the rest of the day was going to happen. Basically it was like a big slumber party - a bunch of girls all getting gussied up. A few times during the morning I had relizations that we were getting ready for my wedding - such an odd feeling! We started out sitting around the table all doing our makeup, then we were onto hair. Chelsey helped Amanda, and Brittany did her own. So many times people asked me if we were going to get a hairdresser out to do our hair, and originally that was the plan. I'm very thankful we just did our own hair, it made the morning more relaxed, just a group of friends and our female photographer, Christy having a get-together. I think our hair was more natural, just a little more glam than the average day.

After Chelsey was done with Amanda's hair, she did mine. Now, I got so many compliments onmy hair; Brittany's mum - my aunt - is a hairdresser (now works as a legal assistant), and she said at the reception, that she couldn't have done a better job! My hair was perfect, exactly how we had decided it should be at one of my dress fittings; it was purely by accident that it happened - I had a braid in my hair that day, with bangs, then we made a messy bun to try on the veil with the dress - and voila - my hairstyle was decided! All we did differently on the day of, was curl my hair first before it went into the bun - perfect!

We had decided a few days beforehand to have the girls and the guys have pictures taken separately before the ceremony. This way we'd have more of them, and wouldn't be as squished for time also. During those photos, when it was just me and one of my bridesmaids, I called over to them "come into my poof," to get them to stand beside me. Christy thought I was saying "come into my poo," and we had a good laugh at that. Then when Brittany posted photos on Facebook, she labled this next one "poof on the roof" - seriously I almost died laughing.

This is my dress, before it's demise! Before the booze spillage, the oil of some sort, the grass stains, the dirt, the pickups falling out, the bussle getting pulled out, and the safety pins not staying in! When Justin and I met before the ceremony with our photographers, he asked me if we'd gone quadding in the dress; he couldn't believe all the dirt and grass stains on it! I had always known that I wasn't going to be one of those brides. You know, the prissy kind; the ones that have to have a blanket to sit on, can't go near dirt, and care far too much about something you'll only wear once. Someone (and I really wish I could remember who) told me during the reception that my dress had a nice life. That rang so true with how I feel, you'll only be in it once (that is unless I still do the "trash the dress" photo shoot), you might as well live it up and not worry!

Originally I had sent Sheldon to get us a couple bottles of wine, but when Sandy called me asking if she could do anything for us, I knew to take advantage of that oportunity! She hung out with us for about half an hour while Amanda did her hair.

My mum came by sometime in the morning with my garters. I had one generic one for Justin to throw, and one for me to keep (another idea from Chelsey). The one that I kept was made from my Grandma's wedding dress (originally I was going to wear her dress, then we were going to make the jacket/train into my viel - but this was the best of both worlds - my garter, and my bouquet was wrapped in the lace also). It was so perfect, and of course, made me cry when my mum gave it to me.

Shortly after, my dad made his apperance with the bouquets. My Uncle Kevin rode in the front seat of the van holding a bucket with the flowers. I found it odd when he got out that there were only three bouquets, but just thought he'd be going back to the van to get mine. When there was no movement from either of them to head back to the van, I asked where my bouquet was. My dad immediately said that's all they gave him. I started freaking out and my mum was right with me; Brittany on the other hand was trying to remain calm - saying that we'd make it all work. In all that stress I wondered if I had ordered a bouquet for myself (then later realized that of course, the flower shop knew that I was the bride, and would not short ship me)! My dad started laughing, and I think I may have hit him! Christy couldn't believe that he'd do that to me - but to be honest, it made me appreciate my bouquet all the more! Like I said, it was wrapped in my Grandma's wedding dress lace, and had peacock feathers in it too. It looked exactly the way I wanted it to. (And you'd never guess that the pink peonies are fake!)

After all the fun and games, it was time for me to get dressed. (I got the girls to dressed first - made me feel calmer). Chelsey was put in charge of putting me into my dress, and lacing up the back.

This beautiful clawfoot tub was in the cabin, and I knew I wanted pictures of me in it. Originally I had wanted photos of all of us, in our dresses shaving our legs. We opted for just me doing that however, because of safety - it might be too wobbly if we were all sitting on one side of the tub. I didn't actually shave my legs at this point, I did that earlier - yes in this tub - I wish I could have bathed in it!

Then we went outside to start pictures.

The girls and I parted ways, and I waited for Justin and Dustin (Christy's husband, our other photographer) to come over for Justin and I to meet up before the ceremony. I remember asking after our engagement session (with the same photographers), if they thought the bride and groom meeting was a good idea. They said they prefered when the couples do that; it gets all the nerves and jitters out before the all-ready nerveracking ceremony (and lets be honest, if the rehersal made me cry - it wasn't looking too good for the real deal). I was constantly thinking "oh what a neat idea, a cool, new thing for Justin and I to meet up beforehand." After the wedding, all I've been thinking is "no, it's actually a really old concept." I remember my mum telling me couples used to go off and get photos done before, and sometimes days before. Okay, so not so hip of an idea - but a really good one.

That was truly the only time (okay, the more I've been thinking about the day - before my dad and I rounded the corner of the deck to start our decent down the stairs/aisle was also making me nervous) that I was stomache hurting nervous. Christy said the plan was for Justin to stand on the deck, and me to walk out of the cabin, but when Dustin got there, the plan changed. I was standing by the window and say Dustin and Christy walked by, and immediately ducked so Justin wouldn't see me. When I was down on my haunches, I was just trying to just breath and remain calm!

My mum has asked Justin a couple times what he thought when he saw me for the first time that day. All he's said (even to me) was how much prettier I looked in real life compaired to what he thought I was going to look like. He thought my dress was much nicer than anything he imagined (remember - I was going to wear my Grandma's dress - Justin didn't really like that idea all too much). He looked pretty darn handsome himself!

Then, after our pictures we were off to the ceremony. We all pilled into Christy and Dustin's van to get from the cabins to the house, where the ceremony was taking place. Along the way, my dad was walking along the road. We stopped briefly, my dad gave me a card, and Justin got out. I told Christy immediately that whatever was in the card was going to make me cry. I knew she was wanting to take photos of me opening the card, so I waited to open it. And, you bet, I did cry. Most every card my dad gives me makes me cry (almost all of his Christmas ones), they're just so heartfelt. Christy shooed my bridesmaids away, and my dad and I had a moment; the card was perfect: talking about my Grandma, how happy he was for Justin to be in my life, and to soon be my husband, plus $100 American for our honeymoon. Then my dad looked around and said "this is just the most perfect location." Yup, there was something in the air out there - something unexplainable, someone making our wedding day perfect, giving me the best wedding gift possible!

The ceremony started later than what we had anticipated (our JP told us at the rehersal that she couldn't get there any earlier than fifteen minutes after our set time), so we were all bumming around on the front of the house (the opposite side as where the ceremony was taking place) for awhile. I wondered what everyone else was doing, but my boss told me when I got back that my little cousin was dancing and entertaining everyone!

Then it was time to start.

Right before we left, either Chelsey or Amanda said for my dad and I to pause lots while we were walking so people could get good pictures of us. I'm really happy we got that advise; and at the top of the stairs, the stair landing and the start of the aisle I would wisper to my dad "pause." Once he started walking before I was ready, and I said "no, pause." It's something I'll remember always about our walk - and it kept making me giggle! Honestly, I remember seeing so many people in the back rows; I remember my mum's friend Pat, Amanda's sister Heather and her boyfriend Matt, and my boss Mike and his wife Judy. When I saw Mike, I remember him telling me "big smiles." And after that, maybe about half way up the aisle, I thought "oh, I'm supposed to be looking at Justin," but by having our meeting first, I was just able to enjoy the process, and our guests. I would really recommmend doing this to every bride I see in the future!

The only thing I ever really wanted for the ceremony was us looking into each others eyes, and not looking at the JP. And Jenine (our JP) had told us every time we met with her, and on the rehersal as well to look into the triangle formed by the shoulders and head - even if you're not looking into the other persons eyes, it will still look good for photos. I remember the whole time looking into Justin's eyes, and Justin looking into mine; it made me SO happy. Actually, there were a few times when I was looking at the reflection of myself in his glasses (I was making sure the top part of my dress wasn't too low); at one point he asked me what I was doing, which just made me laugh and I just said I'd tell him later (which I did). Another thing I will always remember!

Our vows were always something I was determined that we would write ourselves. This way it wouldn't be cheesy, and be meaningful. It was something I was procrastinating doing (surprise!), and one night when I got home Justin surprised me with vows that he had written. I read them over, and was so excited - they made me laugh, and were exactly what I wanted to be said at the ceremony. So, during the ceremony, in anticipation of what was to come, I was a pile of giggles. It must have been contagious - I made Justin giggle a couple times. Our JP would say a line, and we'd have to repeat it; a few times when I tried to talk no words came from my mouth. Key points in the vows: Justin's - remembering to replace the toilet paper roll, cleaning up his toenail clippings and putting them in the garbage, and saying more than "that's nice" when I show him a scrapbooking layout; mine - learning how to add windshield washer fluid to the Blazer (remember where I work), supporting Justin when he misses the big buck while out hunting, and celebrating by drinking beers when he brings him home. Pure perfection!

Then it was "you may now kiss the bride," and Justin happily surprised me with the kiss he layed on me. Normally a shy and a non-PDA guy, he wowed me with that kiss! He knew how much that meant to me, and went for it!

When Jenine said we'd now go and sign the marriage license - I panicked. I remembered discussing it breifly at the rehersal, "yeah, it'll be set up over here," but never actually talked to Ginny to have a table set up. When Jenine waved her hand in the direction of the table I was so relieved, then to get to the table and see my feather pen had made it over there too just made me exstatic!

After Brittany signed as one of our witnesses, while she was getting up from the table - she had and enourmous grin on her face. I know she was SO happy for us to be married, and for her to have had a big part in making our day complete. And it showed on her face!

Then, because we didn't want a receiving line at all, Jenine announced that immediate family was to meet over by the wagon for pictures, and after family photos, we were leaving for bridal party photos. I'm so happy that she said this, and made it clear that there was to be no non-family in that area - it made my dream of no receiving line a reality!

Between the bridal party photos that we took at the ranch, and the off site photos - these next photos happened. I went with the guys in our truck, and the girls hoped in with Dustin and Christy for a twenty minute drive to these building ruins that we were gong to get photographed in front of. Seriously, I forgot how crazy guys are when they're together like this - I was kind of disgusted with them! They were taking forever to get in and get going also, which was kind of ticking me off. Justin was running around writing out cheques and giving them to people. I was a basket case at this point of the day - and thankfully the only point in the day. But, it's more memorable this way! When we arrived back at the ranch after photos, we pulled up and waited just a few minutes, then got "introduced for the first time as husband and wife!" I had hear Lincoln talking to the DJ about what song we were going to walk into the saloon to; then the next thing I knew Shad (or DJ) came up to me, "is TROUBLE by Travis Tritt okay?" Yup, that's what Lincoln picked out, it's all good with me, but I was really impressed that he double checked with me first!

So, here's what the saloon looked like when it was all set up, tables arranged and decked out with our gear in it.

The journey to figure out what we were going to have as our centerpeices was a long one. All the bridal magazines featured these beautiful square glass vases with flowers; once I saw one pictured with grass growing in it. That's when I decided I loved the idea of grass being the centerpeice! Then slowly they evolved into galvanized buckets to hold the grass with glass jars with citronella tealights to keep the misquitos away. (I really do love the look of those square vases, and am contemplating what I can do with them to have them around the house!) Instead of the painstacking task of growing the grass from seed, luckily we sodded our lawn at the same time I wanted to start the grass; Justin just traced the top of the buckets, cut out the sod, we put some gravel (also from our landscaping) in the bottom to weigh down the buckets, and voila! I really think they fit in perfectly with our location and we got lots of compliments on them - and most of them made it to new homes!

Gloria e-mailed me one day, and said she saw the perfect "thank-you" gift for Justin and I to use at our wedding. She figured we already had an idea, but had to tell us what she saw anyways. Justin had already thought that beer cozies would be a nice thank you gift, and useful at the wedding to keep your drink cold; I however, was not completely sold on this, and was really open to what Gloria had to tell us. When she said packages of beef jerky, I knew that I could convince Justin this was a much better way to go. It fit in perfectly also; Justin hunts (although we used beef and not wild game), and it seemed really personal! I'm so happy Gloria told us this idea, and I heard there were extras that got snatched up - it was so yummy!

When we were taking everything down on Sunday, I saw the boxes of lights that we borrowed from Chelsey, I asked why they weren't on the tables, and was promtly informed that they were - they were on the head table, and how could I not have seen them when I was sitting there! I only truly believed this when I saw the picture!

For many months I was thinking of how Gloria was going to do the traditional "bride and groom kissing game." When she sent me the e-mail of the plan, I thought it was something I'd never seen before, and thought it was very clever! There were two options to choose from. Option one - roll the dice in the bowl on the head table, if you roll an even number - we kissed, if you roll an odd number - you have to kiss one of us! Apparently there was a couple bets going on, and Justin got a kiss out of that deal! Option two was a hoola hoop challenge, and any attempt would count! The couple pictures (of Britt and Sheldon) are from later in the night, not when it was first introduced.

Anyone that knows me even a little bit knows that I love candy! So, what better opportunity to have candy than at the wedding! Candy buffets are all the rage right now, and I've seen many variations to them. My mum gathered glass dishes for awhile for me from the second hand stores, and Sandy searched for candy in our colour scheme. The end result was perfect, and looked really yummy! The buffet was set up on the cake table. We had just a two tiered cake, and many tasty cupcakes. At the far end of the table in this picture you can see the frame (a dollar store gold wedding frame that I got Elizabeth to sand down for me, then I white-washed it, then sanded again for an aged look), in the frame is a legend to the colours/flavors of cupcakes. Without knowing the colours of icing, my mum made a really good match with her selection of ink colours!

For our guest book I wanted some creativity. I've never been a fan of the stuffy guest books, with "guest book table people." They just seem silly to me. So, after looking on Etsy one day, I found a perfect idea. This one girl was selling cross-sections of logs cut, and then painted with black-board paint. My idea was to get people to write their wishes and then get a photo (taken by the photographer), of the guests and their message. Very clever idea, if I do say so myself! Although, the later in the night, the drunker the people got, the crazier the messages! Can't wait to see them though!

The food was set up in a buffet on the dancefloor. We had garden salad (with fruit and a really yummy dressing - Britt was sitting beside me, and that's what I heard throughout dinner!), baked potatoes, thin beef slices, beans, coleslaw and kaiser buns. It was so yummy! I really wish I could have eaten more, but prepared myself for not being hungry; mostly I knew I wasn't going to eat much because of all the adrenaline pumping through my veins!

Seriously, these two (Nicole and Sheldon) became such good friends that night. And really only met a couple days beforehand! I love that that's what happened. We made a point of thanking the two of them for their help with the wedding in Justin's and my speech - which really touched both of them. Being that they're dating the Best Man and Maid of Honor, they're basically an extended part of the bridal party!

After supper Gloria got started at her MC duties, and let me just say, what a fantastic job she did! I laughed so hard at so many things she said, although not all of what she said was true. Some she fabricated, just to fill in some gaps - I'll leave it up to you to determine what was made up, and what was a fact! Mostly I remember what she said about me, the incident when I fell off my bike after looking at a hot guy and calling out 10-4, the time when I brought my Grandpa toilet bowl water in nice little tea cups, and the time when there were little ducks following Kas, Britt and I around out camping. So funny, I knew I made the right choice as to whom we picked to MC, and I was not disappointed!

Then it was time for the toast to the bride. Brittany made me cry with her speech. It was so amazing. Sunday was when we really reminisced; when I told her how much she had moved me, she said she meant every word she had said, which I didn't doubt. She then said her favorite part was about me being her best friend, and true to form, that's exactly the same part that is my favorite! I actually don't remember much more of it; I know there was talk about this one shooter we made that involved a recipe that wasn't followed exactly, and a substitution of lemon juice for another juice - this caused us to tear up and drool. Absolutely things that I remember about her. Can't wait until her wedding - hope I can help her MC out with old stories about her!

Lincoln's roast to the groom was more of a toast to him! He started off speaking of qualities, handsom, funny, generous, charming - apparently those were just about him though! He spoke his mind, and did not disapoint. And, it was touching - he almost made me cry! My mum was amazed at how funny Lincoln is, and wants to come camping with us next time we go - she's heard about all the fun we can have around a campfire and under a tarp! She says if she was 20 years younger, and if Lincoln wasn't married, she'd make her move! Too funny.

We mingled with family and friends for a bit before the dances after the speeches. I found Makayla, and wanted to hold onto her little body! Seriously, she may just be cuter than her older brother! While I was holding her, a few people came up to me, and were saying, "your turn next," or "looks good on you." Not going to be happening for a while - just so everyone is aware! There's a few things we'd like to accomplish before starting our family.

I met Heather's Matt - and have to say he's pretty nice! I haven't seen Heather for a while, too long actually (weddings tend to do that apparently - I am making it up recently, we went out for a drink a couple weeks ago). We've accepted eachother as sisters, so sister's gotta keep up in each others lives! Amanda is Heather's actual sister, so we got a group shot!

Then we were up for our dances. Obviously, Justin and my dance was first. Our first dance song was George Strait "I Cross My Heart." It was really difficult for us to find a song that we both really liked, that wasn't too mushy and that said what we feel. Justin was bound and determined to have this song, but I really hated the movie Pure Country because of the manager lady. Justin assured me not many people actually know about that movie, and wouldn't have seen. When Justin was trying to convince me one night, he played the song, and when I suggested we dance, he agreed without hesitation. During our dancing, I closed my eyes and could picture the people watching us - so it was decided that it'd be "our song!"

Then it was time for me Dad and I to have our dancing turn. The last time we danced was at my graduation, and I remember wanting to practice for that. He was not having any of that! But somehow this time, we did end up practicing. I don't remember where we were, what song was playing, or what the occation was - but I remember saying that at least we praciced this time! I stayed up really late one night before we met with our DJ to pick a song that worked for him and I. I had always thought Brad Paisley's "He Didn't Have To Be." Somehow they were playing it on the radio lots right before the wedding, and I felt it was a bit confusing written from a son's point of view. So, I searched high and low. During the process, I thought it would be neat to have a Reba song (my Dad is in LOVE with Reba, and has gone to see her a couple times in concert), but again, couldn't find one that had the meaning behind it. I finally found a song I loved, Jessica Andrew's “I Will Be There For You.” I felt it was the pefect message I wanted said about him and I. At some point in the night, I asked my Dad if he liked the song that I chose, "well, it's no Reba." Then I explained my brilliant idea that didn't pan out. Before everyone got too crazy dancing, the DJ played a song that I had on the list to play, Reba's "I'd Rather Ride Around With You." I quickly grabbed my Dad, and danced with him on the dance floor. I'll never forget the big smile he had!

Justin picked his own song for him and his mum to dance to; well, with a little guidance from me that is! He had a list of songs, and I was researching them while at work too. I called him to tell him I found the best song, Aaron Lines "Twenty Years Late." I asked him to listen to it, and he decided he really liked it. I guess while my Dad and I were dancing, Sandy was trying to sneak away, and get out of the dance. Justin was not having any, and kept her close until it was their turn! While they were dancing, I had a moment - I cried. I'm sure most people thought I was crying because of the sweetness of seeing them dance, but it was my moment to miss Grandma on my own terms. No matter who's wedding I'm at, I always cry because I miss her so much. Normally I end up sitting next to and hugging my mum, and this was no exception; I spotted my parents on the side of the dance floor, and held onto them. I don't imagine this will ever go stop happening.

After the formal dancing we were cut loose, and the music started pumping. This is what the dancfloor, bar tent, and saloon looked like all set up that night. I'm on the left of the dance floor with my Aunt Terry and Uncle Gerald. They had brought me back a bracelet from Mexico when they went a few years ago; when they gave it to me it was too big (I have really tiny wrists), so Terry shortened it. Then it was a little too short, then it was just right (mmm... I want porridge!). Immediately when they gave it to me, I knew I was going to wear it for the wedding. Terry kept saying I didn't have to, but I really loved it, and always wanted pearls. It was my "something new" (I've always felt the dress didn't count, you get that anyways). So, I was showing them that I was indeed wearing the bracelet. Terry said she really liked the song I picked out for my Dad and I to dance to, and the three of us ended up in a group hug! Gerald and Terry actually gave me the cake topper also. She collects those figurines (I can't remember the name of them), and they had given me one once before; when I was looking at her collection one day, I knew, and mentioned that was what I wanted as our cake topper - so they bought me one! I love them SO much, and it's nice that they only live about half an hour away. We go out for supper lots, with my parents also, for Chinese - and we're due for it again!

The crazies took to the dance floor:

Soon after, it was determined that it was cake cutting time. Now, let me just say that nobody gives you lessons on how this is to be done; Justin and I ended up having a little discussion as to how it was going to happen. And he was kind enough to ask if I wanted it smeared on my face (of course I said no!). The peice we cut was a little wobbly in my hand, and I really didn't want it dropping on my dress - and was very tempted to eat half of it myself - but I knew that's not what's "supposed" to happen!

Then it was time to get down to the dancing business I had waited so long for. Christy had said she couldn't believe how crazy I was at numerous points during the day, and couldn't imagine what I'd be like when it came time to cut loose - well, I don't think I disappointed her! I am VERY happy that Justin suggested that we get the girls the hoodies. When it got a little chillier - on they went. And a bonus - it covered my dress that suddenly had a mind of my own (no matter what we did, the top kept sliding down while I was dancing), it covered up any upcoming mishaps perfectly!

Justin and I have NEVER danced together, and lots of times during the night we danced together. A few days later when I brought it up, he said it makes all the difference when it's your party! We danced like nobody else was there!

And Justin had the moves all by himself also - his famous "fist pump" made it's appearance once or twice that night!

Evan - how I love you! You are my little crush. Don't worry, Kas has nothing to worry about, and I'm a married woman - but I do adore you. You are so helpful, and full of energy. I remember us standing together thinking over the day. All of a sudden he turns to me and says, "you're married - that makes you old!" I found it really funny, I never think of myself as being older than anyone, but I guess I do seem old to him; he's only 17 afterall!

The dancefloor sure took all the abuse we threw at it! We warned our DJ the week before the wedding, when we met with him, that we'd be up until the crack of dawn, and we hoped he'd be up for it. I don't think he truly believed us, but that's what we would've done. Yeah, he shut us down at 4am! He basically said this is your last song, because if I don't say that, you'll go on forever! We would have - no question. Apparently Shad told Justin he DJ's at wedding mostly every weekend - and ours was without question the most fun he's had. He was AMAZING. We had a blast dancing, and I'm putting that all on him!

At some point during the dancing Josh, Chelsey and Brittany snuck away to mine and Justin's cabin, and lite what seemed like a million tealights (apparently with a blow-toarch). They were going up the stairs, on the dress, table, counter, on the coffee table - everywhere! I'm actually really glad they did something like this. One of the few traditions that I actually like and hoped would be followed - but it doesn't look nice to ask for something like this! I'm really glad they didn't do something wild and crazy!

We got up Sunday morning at 8:30am. We headed over to the Kurtz/Sipko cabin, and actually woke them up! Went over to the saloon and started dismantling the tents. Then it was home, a couple loads of laundry, and off to Calgary late at night. Honeymoon is coming up next!

(A big thanks to Amanda, Brittany and Blondie for the use of their photos!)

A Wedding, A Honeymoon with Vegas Oh My!! (Part 1)

Yup, it's been almost two weeks (tomorrow) since Justin and I tied the knot! I'm so excited to now officially Mrs. Keller! I signed my name for a courier yesterday morning. I started writing "Julie Riley" then realized that wasn't my name any more, so it came out "Julie Rellery" - yeah, this is going to take some getting used to!

What an amazing day; in the morning it was sprinkling a bit, just enough to feel a mist on your skin, then it cleared right up and was about 25 degrees at the hottest part of the day. The couple days before were really smoky. There was a fire about eight hours away, but that also wasn't an issue for us the day of.

We got to the ranch at about noon on Friday, and started the set up. When we pulled into the yard, off the highway, the "Welcome to Sierra West" sign greeted us. I was SO excited to see this, and was secretly hoping they were going to do this; it got my adrenaline going, "oh yeah, this is why we're here."

This is looking at the outside of the saloon, where the reception was held (and where we would have had the ceremony if the weather turned on us), before everything was set up in it.

And this is the inside of the saloon before all the wood moving, table arranging, and general pretty-making that happened.

We rented two 20x20 canvas tents, and Justin framed up a dancefloor at home (to be set up under one of the tents), that had to be assembled and sheeted. So, we (and by we - I mean the guys, Heather, Amanda, Brittany, Kas and Nicole) started setting everything up.

Randy and Ginny both said they provide the pets, so there was no need for anyone to bring theirs. Crockett was a big help, and super cute with his two different coloured eyes!

People, other than our helpers began arriving, and setting up their trailers and tents. Having a venue like this for our wedding was SO perfect for us. Mostly everyone could be there the whole weekend, from Friday to Sunday. Not having to worry about coming and going constantly.

And our bridal parties, Justin and I, Justin's parents, siblings and my Grandpa all had cabins or bunkhouses to stay in. It's times like this that I'm happy that two of my bridesmaids, and two of Justin's groomsmen are married to each other: they had to share a two story cabin, and it wouldn't have worked so well if it was a bunch of strangers!

During the rehersal, when my dad and I were practicing walking down the ailse, when he passed me over to Justin, I started crying. I just got so overwhelmed by all the emotion - such a perfect commitment, such a beautiful place, and I missed my Grandma. It all came out in tears for a few minutes.

All day, I was going crazy, not thinking everything was going to get done. Our photographers showed up just before the rehersal and were reasuring me that it would all come together. After the rehersal, I felt a lot calmer, and everyone could tell. This is the outside of the saloon after the tents and dance floor were set up; it looked so amazing!

At that point, I just decided to roll with it. I grabbed myself a drink, we had supper, and then got into a fun game that I made up for the bridal party. It was a bunch of questions about either Justin or myself. The guys had to answer questions about me, and the girls had to answer questions about Justin. So, we named it "Team ABC vs. The Lefties" (my bridesmaids names worked into A-Amanda, B-Brittany, and C-Chelsey; and all Justin's groomsmen are left handed). I think it was a really great way for everyone to relax, get to know us a bit more, and to act as an ice breaker.

This lead perfectly into giving our bridal party their thank-you gifts for all their hard work. We got the girls "Team ABC" hoodies with their names embroidered on the left sleeves. And of course I got one too.

For the guys, we got my uncle to build some hunting knives but they didn't get done in time, so because we wanted them to have something on the day, we bought them each a bottle of spiced rum and a cigar.

Then it was time to head off to bed, and sleep if at all possible. To be continued...

Two Cards

Seriously, this card took me all of about two minutes, five maybe - but that would include the little bit that I thought I didn't have enough time to make a card before we had to leave the house! I love how this card came together; I didn't think: I just rooted through my pile of scrap paper to see if I had anything I liked, found some more of that pink cardstock, cut it, folded it, grabbed the floral paper, thought for a second to punch a circle in the card to have a peep effect, punched the floral paper, punched the card, then grabbed some ribbon and put it all together. I love that it looks like I took my time to think, and plan it out - it looks really fancy to me!

The card was for Justin's mum - it was her birthday yesterday. I really like making cards for her because she just fawns over them. And, they can be girlier than cards for my mum - although she has stepped out of her little box, or should I say I pushed her. (Plus, you can see our fantastic fence, and some discarded pieces of sod - the yard is looking beautiful.)

And on Monday, wedding crack down happened. We worked so hard on getting lots of things done that were time consuming. In the morning I worked on my bridal shower thank you cards. I was a one woman assembly line. I went to town, trying to figure out how to maximize the paper I had bought for this project a week after my shower (yes, still trying to figure out a time to sit down and upload those pictures!), I had really good intentions for these getting out much sooner, but life happens!

The base stamp, the one with the numbers in it (it's a little bit hard to see because I stamped it basically the same colour as the cardstock), is from a vacation stamp set that I purchased to use for our honeymoon layouts. Sometime you just need to think outside the box (the one that I pushed my mum out of!), and use a prodcut differently than it was intened to be used. Now looking at the cards, it's like "let me count the ways I am thankful for you," and the numbers are all the things I'm thankful for that the recipiant did! Yea, I may be stretching it, and reading into this more than anyone else ever will!

Filling those out was fun at first, then after the first half it just seemed like I wasn't being creative, and was saying the same thing over and over - hopefully they all made sense!

My Grandpa's 85

It was my Grandpa's 85th birthday last Friday, so my mum, dad, brother and I made the trip out to Fruitvale (about a six hour drive) to visit him and his wife, Yvonne. The part that I don't like about the trip, is the getting up at five because we're leaving at six.

Saturday we toured the Columbia Gardens Vineyard and Winery. It was nice to get a little bit of sun while being in such a beautiful location (I forgot my camera back at the house, but took some photos with my mum's camera that I will add at a later date). Then we went back inside and sampled. Normally I'm a white wine kind of gal, but the Merlot really spoke to me this time, so I snapped up a bottle. Also got a bottle of their dessert wine (they don't think it's worth the money to be certified to make ice wine), that I planning on having the night of the wedding - just Justin and I.

The weather was really hot, about 35 degrees and humid. Plus, the BBQ was on, cooking our ham supper, some of the time we were sitting on the poarch which added to the heat. Yvonne really likes the heat, and enjoys every minute of it (which makes me surprised she'd live somewhere that gets winter - wouldn't you move to, say Nevada?).

On the way home we stopped at one of the fruit stands in Creston and I took some pictures while I waited for my parents to be finished. I could easily live there, it's a mini Kelowna to me. I love the mix between buildings (buisnesses and houses) and orchards. It's something that looks both out of the ordinary and natural all at the same time.

I find it really funny that Justin doesn't like surprises. His mum's been wondering what he wants for his birthday (August 16 - five days before the wedding), so I've been sending her suggestion texts whenever another idea comes to me. Today I texted her some Saucy Ladies (a company here in town) jarred goods. The next thing I know, Sandy's calling me to say that she dropped a jar of antipasto in the box of the truck (at Justin's work) and for me to let him know to move it inside before he drives so it doesn't break. She called it a "birthday teaser."

When I called Justin to let him know, I wanted to surprise him, so I just said there's something in the truck box that has to get moved. He was begging me to find out what Sandy had dropped of for him. Finally I said that I didn't know what it was; there was a pause, then Justin said "your lying to me." I laughed so hard; I love that Justin knows when I'm not telling the truth - keeps me on the straight and narrow!

Here's a couple pictures from the one month date, last Wednesday. I was a little disappointed that we don't look better in them; we both look worn out and a little gross looking! I later realized that's our life right now: I've been working out to look more toned and lose a couple pounds (eight to be exact, the number I gained back after eating really badly the week when Justin's Grandpa was in the hospital), and Justin's been working diligently on the yard (building the fences, installing the underground sprinklers, leveling the yard and adding topsoil). Why wouldn't I like a photo that discribes our life so clearly a month before our wedding!

P.S. It's way too crazy around here lately to think about scrapbooking, which is kind of sad. When life gets back to normal once again after the honeymoon, it'll be "balls to the walls" for that!

Yard Progress and Street Wheelers

Justin called me from work and said he'd be working this Sunday out of town, so he was going to leave work early and work on the fence. He suggested that I should come home at lunch and visit him (I was going to go home as it was), and thought it would be a good opportunity to take some more pictures at the progress of our yard.

This is the section towards the front of the house that he had completed from eleven until when I came home, at about one.

There was a bit of mis-communication, and I thought Justin said he was going back to work, but then said he'd be finished the fence by the time I got home at 5:45. I figured there was no way he could get the rest of it finished, if that little bit had taken him so long, but let him believe it anyways. When I got home, the fence was completed (except for the cap that finishes off the top). I asked him again if he was home since eleven, and he was confused; he said he had already told me that when we saw each other at lunch. I then understood why he thought he could get it all done - and I appreciate all his hard work - it looks fabulous!

Last Friday night, Amanda and Lincoln picked me up at home, then we headed off to 7 Eleven to get some food. Lincoln bought two boxes of chicken wings, and a box of potato wedges. I bought a slurpee, a bag of beef jerky and a cup of candy. The eating started almost as soon as we got set up, and continued all night long; my jar was very sore by the end of the night, and I was telling people to take the food away from my reach. Lincoln's dad teasingly asked how we were going to fit into a wedding dress (me) and a bridesmaid dress (Amanda) in a month!

I'm sure if you've never experienced Street Machine Weekend, or if your town doesn't do something similar, you might think we're a little messed up - but it's honestly a lot of fun. There are a couple requirements, however: good friends (plus a stand-by date never hurts, for when your fiance is out of town - this also happened five years ago on Justin's and my first street wheelers weekend), refreshing beverages (this year was water), lots of junk food, and nice cars to look at as they drive up and down the street.

At first Amanda and I were just sitting on the lowered tailgate on a folded blanket, then our bums were getting sore, so we were going to set up the lawn chairs on the grass behind the truck, then it occured to us (me I think) to put the lawn chairs in the box. What a perfect spot!

I saw a friend walk passed as we were sitting there; I knew Lincoln knew Damien, but I didn't know that they were now working at the same shop together (Damien just got hired). Lincoln, Damien and his dad all struck up a conversation. Then Damien's cousin, Carmen, stopped by, along with a friend Sara (and a whole bunch of other people I didn't know); I hadn't seen the two of them since we graduated. It's such a small world: Carmen, Damien and Lincoln all used to hang out back in high school. If Justin and Lincoln would have hung out more at that time, who knows, maybe him and I would have met back then!

Saturday night was amazing! Nicole and I headed to the casino for supper (they have really good, cheap food - which I've talked about most times when her and Corey have come over recently), then to pick up a couple drinks (wine and Malibu rum), then to her shop to drink said wine, then finally out dancing at a country bar. One of Nicole's friends, Morgan, met us at Bos Hogs. She had brought a camera to document the night, but when we asked a random guy to take a picture of us, it slipped out of his hands, and broke on the ground - so no photos. We ended up getting most of our drinks bought by a couple guys that we met, we decided to be wing men, although did not do a good job! We stayed right until close, and walked home. Sunday we went back to pick up Nicole's car, and stopped to get a couple Booster Juices to help cure our headaches!

I really do feel it's best to jam-pack my weekends that Justin's out of town working with lots to do. But, I am looking forward to the next time, probably this Sunday: I plan on making a ton of sushi (and also eating a ton), and just kicking back at home.