Dave and Ashley~ September 15, 2007 [Archive]

~Ashley~

11-12-2006, 08:16 PM

Hi everyone
I am new here but excited to get new ideas from these boards. My fiance's name is Dave and I am Ashley. We met at work in 2001 when I was in grade 11 and he was in grade 12. We started out as friends then went on a work event to go paintballing. It was a fun night but at the end of it I left with my friends and he got a ride home with his boss. Well, they ended up getting lost and turned onto the main road right infront of us. We followed them and when our boss dropped Dave off, we conviced him to come out to Subway with us. That was all it took for us to become more than friends. We spent the rest of the weekend together and we have been together since.

The proposal happened January 7, 2005 and was completely unexpected. I had to work on New Years Eve so I didn't get to go out. I was also away at school so we didn't get to see each other often. Dave called me the Wednesday after New Years to see if I wanted to go to Niagara Falls for the night on Friday. I took the train, Dave picked me up and we drove to Niagara Falls. We had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe which is a really neat restaurant with animated animals and a real rainforest. After dinner we went to see the festival of lights which is a huge display of lights right by the falls. It was really cold and misty from the falls but we decided to watch the firework display.

During the fireworks, Dave took his hand away and took off his glove. I asked him what he was doing and he said his hand was hot. I thought nothing of it and went back to watch the show. Next thing I knew, Dave turned me around and when I saw him he was down on one knee. I started crying before he could say anything and the only words I remember are "happiest person ever", "wife" and "marry me". Of course I said yes! There was a crowd around us and they started clapping. It was so unexpected and even though I don't remember much of it because I was in such shock, it was the most amazing night every!

We went through a lot of trouble picking a date, but finally decided on September 15, 2007 because I would be done school and have written my RN exam by then.

Panthers Bride

11-12-2006, 08:19 PM

What a great story. And welcome to OW!

BriansBride07

11-12-2006, 08:22 PM

Congrats on your upcoming wedding. How romantic for him to propose to you at Niagara Falls in front of everyone and with the light show going on.

welcome to onewed. can't wait to hear more about your plans. Best of luck to you.

ladymelissa

11-12-2006, 08:34 PM

Congratulations! I can't wait to hear more of your plans!

~Ashley~

11-12-2006, 08:42 PM

We are having our ceremony at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Parish in Brantford. It is a family tradition in Dave's family so I am honoured that they have agreed to marry us. I have never been baptized so I have started classes to get baptized in the church. This is something I have been thinking about for a long time and it seems like the right time to do it. It is also special because Dave is getting confirmed at the same time so we have to do the classes together and do the readings together.

This is the church
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/I-CR5b-L.jpg

We are having the reception at the Best Western Brant Park Inn. We both fell in love with it.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/BestWestern2.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/BestWestern.jpg

BriansBride07

11-12-2006, 08:43 PM

Gorgous Reception venue. That is nice that you are both going to take classes together.

~Ashley~

11-12-2006, 08:51 PM

We had originally planned on having 4 BM and 4 GM but two of my closest friends decided they didn't want to be part of it. So as of right now I only have a MOH and one BM and Dave has 4GM. I may ask one other friend, but I haven't decided yet.

Our colour scheme is either going to be mocha and pink or chocolate brown and pink.These are the bridesmaid dresses the girls and I like. Let me know what you think.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/47b6df04b3127cce968fd6445fae0000001.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/250_3962_large.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/bridesmaid-after6mocha.jpg

These are the tuxes the Dave likes:
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/Freemantux.jpg
except we would have the same colour vest as the tie.

BriansBride07

11-12-2006, 08:54 PM

The BM's dresses are gorgous. Let us know if that is what you go for.

AngelinLove

11-12-2006, 08:56 PM

Congratulations and welcome to Onewed!!

~Ashley~

11-12-2006, 08:59 PM

Our flower girl is Daves cousin. She will be 5 and is just about the cutest girl every. The ring bearer is my cousin.

These are the flower girl dresses I like:
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/M4759.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/M4285.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/JordanFlowergirldress.jpg

~Ashley~

11-12-2006, 09:06 PM

Decorator: Now and Always http://www.nowandalways.ca/

Florist: Mulder wedding Florals- she is amazing and her prices are excellent. We were quoted $1200 from one florist and Melissa is doing them all for $650 http://www.mulderweddingflorals.ca/index.html

Things we haven't decided on yet are:

Photographer- possibly MOH brother, he is a photographer and very reasonable, but still looking at other possibilities. If anyone knows reasonable photogs in the Brantford/Hamilton/Cambridge area let me know!

Videographer- this is something we want but so far I don't know if it fits in the budget

Limo- we need to find one that fits 10-12 people but they are very expensive so we will be deciding that in the next week or so.

DJ- we have one tentatively book but not sure if we are going with him. Any ideas of DJs in the area, let me know.

~Ashley~

11-12-2006, 09:08 PM

These are the areas we want to get our photos done:

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/666_Bldg.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/695_rotunda.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/LornePark.jpg

~Ashley~

11-12-2006, 09:10 PM

I really want to make my own invitations, with the help of a very crafty aunt.

These are the inspirations:
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/Nuart.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/F10757W6368Xlr.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/5FJ5214351.jpg

~Ashley~

11-12-2006, 09:13 PM

These are the cakes we like. Dave likes the pillars, however I like the ones without so we will probably have the bottom two layers be stacked then the top one have a pillar. Some of the pictures are of square cakes, but we would have them round.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/1roundandsquare20pearl.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/cake3191web.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/SilverBall.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/186.jpg

~Ashley~

11-12-2006, 09:16 PM

These are some ideas we like.

This is the one I like best
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/reception_hall_tall_glass_candle_ce.jpg

But these ones are close contenders
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/632centerpiece.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/services-Centerpieces2_Chateau20352.gif

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/HANDMADE-centerpiecewwhitegerbrasan.jpg

~Ashley~

11-12-2006, 09:21 PM

Now that you know some of our plans, I thought it would be a good idea to tell you more about us.

Dave is 23 and he is a framer. He plays hockey and likes going out on the weekends with his friends. He is a great guy!

I am 22 and in school taking the BScN program. I will be done in April as long as everything goes well (fingers crossed) and in June I will be writing the RN exam. Our buck and doe is scheduled for the Saturday after the exam so it should be a good time!

We will probably live in Brantford when we get married, at least for a while. We are looking into moving to North Carolina, probably Charlotte, but it will depend if we can both get jobs there.

ladymelissa

11-12-2006, 10:00 PM

Everything is gorgeous! I like the first 2 BM dresses that you posted the best. The first centerpiece is my fav, too.

Kacie_bride

11-12-2006, 10:26 PM

Welcome to Onewed Ashely! I love everything you have picked out so far! It looks like you are going to have a really nice wedding. The proposal story was so beautiful and romantic. I can't wait to hear more of your plans!

HalloweenBride

11-12-2006, 10:35 PM

Welcome to OW! :)

nikloveskev

11-12-2006, 11:20 PM

Hi. Congrats. Really sweet proposal story. I love that 1st invitation.

lize566

11-12-2006, 11:21 PM

Congratulations and welcome! We are wedding date buddies, and I am 22 and FH is 23-kinda weird I think! I really wanted a mocha/choc. brown and pink wedding, too but we decided to go with black and pink/fuschia instead. I'm excited to hear more about your plans!

BriansBride07

11-13-2006, 08:20 AM

Our flower girl is Daves cousin. She will be 5 and is just about the cutest girl every. The ring bearer is my cousin.

These are the flower girl dresses I like:

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/M4285.jpg

this is the flowe girl dress that we chose for my flower girl she is going to be 2 and we are having the removable train.
great choices on the flower girl dresses

hummingbird521

11-13-2006, 10:05 AM

Congrats and welcome to OW. I love everything you have chosen so far. Beautiful church and reception venue. The colors will be so pretty as well.

~Ashley~

11-13-2006, 12:22 PM

I ordered my dress in July and it came in in October...3 months earlier than it was supposed to.

I got the Maggie Sottero Capri gown and I love it! I can't wait to wear it.
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/dresspics008.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/dresspics006.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/dresspicsedited005.jpg

I really like the veil I had on, but it was $325 so I am going to get my aunt to make me one very similar to it. FMIL bought a TON of tulle at a garage sale and it is in amazing shape so I will probably use that to make it out of. I will post pics when it is done.

I am going to look at shoes today to get an idea of what is out there and prices. I am also going to be calling around for limos, DJ's, videographers as well as hair and makeup prices. Wish me luck!

BriansBride07

11-13-2006, 12:25 PM

I love your dress you are going to make a beautiful bride.

Kacie_bride

11-13-2006, 01:42 PM

I love the dress!!! I also really love the veil! I hope your DIYS one will look amazing like that! I'm sure it will. Thanks for sharing!

ladymelissa

11-13-2006, 02:09 PM

Your dress is gorgeous!!!!!

SaralovesMike

11-13-2006, 02:10 PM

Congratulations and welcome Ashley!

Everything looks great so far, can't wait to see more!

Mrs.B_08

11-13-2006, 03:39 PM

Welcome to OW!!! Loved the proposal story, so sweet!!! I liked the first BM dress that is sort of the style that I think that I am going to go with. The church and reception site is awsome. :) You have a lot of great ideas going on....hope you can learn here more and share your great ones too!!!!

Jacklynn

11-13-2006, 06:04 PM

First off, Welcome! You soon will be checking this board any time you are near the computer ;) It is addicting! Everything is looking wonderful. The proposal was sweet as well, I would say he did a great job. I hope you enjoy it here.

hummingbird521

11-14-2006, 09:22 AM

Love the dress and you look beautiful in it.

~Ashley~

11-14-2006, 09:23 AM

Thanks so much for all the warm welcomes! I already love the site and can see how it is addicting!

So I called around for limos last night and the range from $650-$1200 which I guess isn't too bad but I still think its a lot. I am going to keep looking and see if we can just rent a nice vehicle instead, like an SUV or something and if it will be any cheaper. We will see.

I also called around for DJ's and the were $300-$800 depending on the services. The one we might go with is $450 with lights and sounds. They invited us to go see them at a Christmas party in two weeks which I thought was very professional of them.

I also called for viodeographers and I can't get over the price!! $1000 was the cheapest and it was just for the ceremony and raw footage! I would really like a wedding video but it doesn't look like it will fit in the budget.

Speaking of budget..... I sat down yesterday and added up total costs of what our wedding will cost and it came to $18965. So needless to say we will be making some changes. First we will start by cutting the guest list from 150 to 120 or less. Then we may have to change the menu, but we will see. ALso, we may end up renting a cake or having my aunt make a small one for the cutting and buying a cheaper slab one since we are having cheesecake for dessert, a candy buffet and a midnight buffet we dont need a huge wedding cake.

I have also cut out the punch fountain. As pretty as it is, it adds another $300 to the budget when you add in the punch. I will also be looking at the decorator and seeing what we need and what we can get by without.

Any other ideas of ways to cut the budget would be greatly appreciated! I was almost sick when I added it all up. I sort of wish we hadn't gone with our venue because it is kind of expensive. $1200 rental fee then meals are around $26 pp but then the alcohol is rediculous! $3.45 a drink in the host bar plus 31% in taxes and gratutiies and FMIL insists on an open bar.

Oh well....thats enough venting for one day! I will keep everyone posted on how we have cut down costs.

Ashley

~Ashley~

11-14-2006, 09:25 AM

These are just some of the hairstyles I like. Let me know what you think!

I love this one, but I don't know if it suites my dress and if it is "weddingy" enough
http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/2fgtry.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/tiemebackbabydontholdmedown.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/pictureblondecell.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/CristinaHair.jpg

BriansBride07

11-14-2006, 09:27 AM

~Ashley~

11-14-2006, 09:28 AM

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/1393_1024.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/2630566_1.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k87/nursiepoo/partup.jpg

hummingbird521

11-14-2006, 09:44 AM

I think all of the hairstyles are very pretty. I have one ? though, How do you rent a cake?

Jacklynn

11-14-2006, 12:08 PM

I like all of the hairstyles, I love the down and curly look, very cute and classy

Twigler

11-14-2006, 11:31 PM

Welcome to the board! I love all of your wedding ideas! Your hairstyles are absolutely stunning! How long is your hair? Mine is really long, and I would love to wear it down (like the style in your second picture), but my wedding is outside so it will be really hot!

Have you thought about just having a friend tape your wedding? Although it won't be great quality and cut and designed like a pros, but at least you would still have it on tape. That is what we are going to try to do.

Again, welcome and good luck with all of your planning!

~Ashley~

11-15-2006, 08:41 AM

Last night Dave and I sat down again to try and cut some costs. His dad suggested having a cocktail hour then a cash bar but his mom flipped about it. She said it is tacky to have a cash bar. This made me a little upset because my family is not rich and neither are Dave and I, but she is insisting on this open bar. They have said they will contribute $3000 to the wedding which is very generous of them, but my parents refuse to pay for an open bar and I don't think $3000 will pay for the bar. There are other things we could spend the money on. That amount of money would pay for the DJ, the flowers, the decorator, limo, and part of the photographer. We will see what happens with this issue. Any thoughts on cash bar vs host bar? I need opinions other than my FMIL and my moms.

We have also decided what we are doing for invitations. We are going to design them on the computer then have Staples print them off. It is $.11 a page so it would cose $11 for 100 invitations and reply cards. Then we will emboss them and buy the envelopes there for around $20. So the invitations will cost $31. Then we will get them to print the programs, and the thank you cards, so another $20 for those. I didn't think it was a bad price and will free up some money for other things.

Let me know your thouhgts and have a great day!
Ashley

Panthers Bride

11-15-2006, 06:30 PM

I personally don't think cash bars are tacky, they're the norm where I'm from, unless the family is very well to-do. Another idea for you is to set a limit on what is served, after that limit, then have it be cash bar (I don't know if that's an option or not).
Great deal on the invitations and programs!

Jopet

11-15-2006, 08:11 PM

Hi welcome to OW!!!!

Everything you have planned looks great!!!
I love your dress!!

Can't wait to see more :).

~Ashley~

11-15-2006, 10:45 PM

So tonight was my first attempt at embossing...needless to say it didn't go over very well. I will have to break down and buy an embossing tool I think..the iron just didn't cut it. I have a friend who swears by using the iron to emboss. Oh well! I also think the versa pen they recommended at the craft store was part of the problem. I am going to take it back and get a stamp pad and stamp. I didn't find that the pen held the powder.

Has anyone here embossed invitations? If so what brand of powder did you use and did you use the tool? Any help would be much appreciated!

Ashley

~Ashley~

11-16-2006, 11:05 PM

Today I tried the embossing thing again and it worked out much better. Now we just have to find a stamp and an ink we like. I have an interview tomorrow morning so I am crossing my fingers that I get the job. I also have clinical this weekend...night shift for three nights in a row then church on Sunday morning. I am going to be exhausted! Oh the things we do for love!

Have a good weekend
Ashley

Kacie_bride

11-17-2006, 08:19 AM

Good luck with your interview!!!!

BriansBride07

11-17-2006, 08:28 AM

I hope you land the job good luck to you.

hummingbird521

11-17-2006, 08:57 AM

Good luck with the job interview.

~Ashley~

11-21-2006, 07:31 AM

It has been a long time since I have been on here, but I just got off 12 hour night shifts so my brain hasnt been functioning well! A little update since last time: I got the job, have one more day of clinical left, will be done school in 2 weeks and hopefully will pass everything. My nerves are a mess right now because I am so scared I won't pass or something and I am very stressed. I seem to be constantly shaking and can't eat much. I don't deal with stress well (as you can tell) and I feel like I have so much left to do.

Anyways, thats it for now...I have to go write RPN's and papers that need to be handed in.

Have a great week!
Ashley

kevinsbride2B

11-24-2006, 07:27 AM

Well my dear, sit downa nd relax as soon as you done everything! We have over 9 months til our wedding and if you keep up like this your not gonna make it that long!
I'm sure everything will be eased up really soon and you can get some down time.

mariaandmanish

11-24-2006, 12:34 PM

Congratulations on getting the job, and also that you'll be finished with everything else really soon! Try to be positive to help relieve stress, and in the meantime, just take a lot of deep, calming breaths! I'm sure that you're going to do a wonderful job and pass everything!!!

ladymelissa

11-24-2006, 11:05 PM

Congrats on the job and good luck with the rest of school!

~Ashley~

12-01-2006, 05:23 PM

Ok, I am sure some of you felt this way, but I am literally ready to throw in the towel and quit this wedding planning. It is impossible to get everyone together to discuss anything, my parents and FH parents are willing to help pay, however they will not tell us how much so its impossible to budget, the hall we choose just increased their prices (and I already checked in the contract and it states they can do this) by around $5-$6 per person. This puts us way out of the budget I am willing to spend. I have a WW3 on my hands with FMIL and my mom about an open bar. FMIL wants one but my family is not big drinkers and my parents will not pay for it. FMIL says they will be contributing around $2000 which doesn't cover the open bar so FH and I will have to pay the difference. I could care less about an open bar, but FH would like one. It is driving me crazy.

I really want to change the reception venue, but I think it is a little late for that, however I will be looking into it. The problem is FH doesn't want to change it. He is more into having a big wedding now then I am. I would be happy to just go away and get married then have a "party" without a big dinner.

I have even looked into a cocktail reception but the time of our ceremony does not really allow for this (1pm). We are basically stuck with dinner. The cheapest menu option is $33pp and each drink is $3.90pp. Wine is around $21per 750ml bottle. The hall rental is $1200. I was even looking at going to Toronto for the reception but that will start another war since FMIL wouldn't even drive 15minutes to Hamilton.

Anyways, sorry for all the ranting but I was hoping someone would have suggestions. Anything at all would be helpful.

Thanks so much
Ashley

Kacie_bride

12-01-2006, 09:34 PM

hummingbird521

12-01-2006, 11:47 PM

Hun it sounds to me like you and your FH need to get together and decide what you both want. Then you both are just going to have to compromise. Then you should go to both sets of parents and basically tell them what you decided. It is your wedding and you should have it the way you want it. Good luck!

I agree with Kacie. You two need to sit down and discuss what the two of you want. Not what everyone else does. Then go to the parents on both sides and let them know what you would like. Then ask them what they would be able to help you cover with expenses. Good luck.

Twigler

12-04-2006, 12:01 AM

I too, agree with Kacie_bride. The decisions of the wedding need to be decided by the two of you. And try to come to a decent agreement. Maybe if your fiance says that you can change the venue of the reception, let him have the open bar. I am sure you will work things out. Just hang in there!!

studentbride

12-27-2006, 10:14 AM

Hi Everyone
I can't believe December is almost over! It has been a crazy month, lots of work, parties and presents! I hope everyone had an amazing holiday and got spioled!
I want to thank everyone for their advice on dealing with the situation. We had a chance to sit down and talk about the wedding over the holidays and things are not as bad as I thought in my stressed out state. We have more money saved for it than I thought and the cost will not be as much as we first thought. All I did was contact the hall and tell her how much we could afford to spend and she altered the menu a bit to reduce the cost. We lost one salad (from 6) and only get one potato choice instead of 3. It reduces the cost by $4pp so it is much more affordable!

We also talked to FH family about the bar and told them that we can't afford a complete open bar. We suggested having an open bar at cocktail hour, wine with dinner then 3 drink tickets per person after dinner. FMIL still didn't like it but we are holding firm because thats what we believe is best.

FH also told me that he doesn't like our chocolate brown and pink wedding colours, so I told him to come up with some ideas that included pink. I told him we need to decided by March at the absolute latest so the bridesmaids can order their dresses. He "presented" his ideas to me last night which included: sage green and pink and platinum/silver and pink. The more I think about it the more I like the platinum and pink idea. I haven't found many pictures yet so I was wondering if you guys had any?

Thanks again for all your help and I will be posting more pictures soon
Ashley

studentbride

12-27-2006, 10:22 AM

I got completely spoiled this year, even though I asked for nothing.

From FH
A new winter jacket- its black, white and pink
Grey's Anatomy season 1
The Office season 1 (I bought the same thing for FH lol)
a chenille throw from La Senza
a gift card for the mall
lip gloss

From FMIL and FFIL
a book on being a bride
a supreme facial and manicure (FSIL got one as well so we will probably go together)

From my Family
a new makeup vanity in cherry wood
hot rollers
lip gloss
a ton of stuff in my stocking
clothes shaver
slippers
a moving light picture of a window looking onto the beach
tanning minutes

FH got a car starter, power locks for his truck, gift cards and money, Family Guy stuff

It was a great Christams!

shawnsgirl

12-27-2006, 10:32 AM

Sounds like you had a great Christmas! I read your previous posts on the silver and pink theme. I love it! Sounds awesome! YOu can do sooo many things with that! I also like the sage and pink to though. I don't have any pictures off hand by try the www.theknot.com (http://www.theknot.com) and check out the real weddings you can even search under your color. If you can't find anything there try theweddingchannel.com They also have some great ideas there too! Good luck and keep us posted okay!!!