and now for something completely different...

...not really, but I wanted to use the line.

'tis the day!?!?!?

I love, love, love that it's raining!!! I was hoping it would rain today. I admit that my hair doesn't like it so much, but I loves me some rainy days! They're my most favourite.

We just got back from the berkeley. Had to run some decorations and such down this morning. Now I am tired and can't stop yawning, but I have to stay awake for another 14 hours. If you can't find me this evening, I may be asleep at the back of the stage.

I have about 2 hours before my ride arrives and then it's back to the berkeley and time to get ready. I think it's about time to find me some caffeine.

Well, I can't wait to see everyone this evening!!!
Till then, have lovely days!

P.S. I think I used more exclamation marks in this one post than all others combined (!!!!!!!! - just for added emphasis)

and then there was one

it's thursday. One more day to go. Freaky

We have our rehearsal today and, well, that's about it. I'm kinda bored right now. I suppose I could go be productive and sweep or something (the dust bunnies on the stairs have gotten big enough to name again), but I don't want to.

I asked Peter what I should post today. His thoughts were that I should talk about how much I love him and how excited I am. And I will now consider that last sentence as having talked about those things.

Alright, I really am bored and I don't know what to write so I think I will move on to book browsing on amazon and maybe I will go twitter and annoy all those who follow me there.

Toodles

four more sleeps

that's it.
only four.

I now only need one hand for the 'wedding countdown'.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!!!

I jest. Well with the eeeeek part I jest, I don't really have the power to change the number of days left. But if only I did, that would be cool. Not the greatest super power I can think up, but I'd take it. What would be the greatest super power? It makes me ponder.

Where was I? I don't know how I get so off topic, but my thoughts are so easily led astray..............so four sleeps to go. We have a few odds and ends to take care of, but not much really.
My dress did get finished on time after all the worry from other people. Peter is currently carrying boxes of booze to the main floor so that they are ready to be carted off to the berkeley. Basically the important things are being taken care of.

Everyone keeps asks if I'm getting excited, but I just find it all so surreal. It's like some weird out of body experience. All these events are going on with us at the centre (by the way we both had a great time at our bachelor/ette parties) but it's hard to really grasp on to that.

Any who, I am definitely looking forward to seeing everyone, to celebrating halloween, to food and booze and family - both those by blood and all the family we have gathered around us through our friendships.

Our only expectations or hopes for our wedding/reception are that the evening will evolve into one big hootenanny. "Chock full of hoot and just a little bit of nanny" - ahh, the wisdom of Oz.

costumes?

Peter and I have both had encounters with guests who want to dress up in costume, but are afraid of being the only ones. Well, this is just to put any of those people at ease. You won't be the only one. We swear.
First of all, I can safely say that the wedding party will be in costume. I think most if not all of our siblings will be costumed and we know several of our friends and some other relatives that have chosen to dress up as well. The costumes range from simple - only a few tiny touches create a costume, to the more obvious.
For those who are not comfortable with costumes (wow, I am using that word a lot), there is no need to feel like you will be the only one coming in 'normal' wedding attire either. There is definitely going to be a mix so everyone should be comfortable no matter what they choose!

By the way, did I mention that the wedding is in 25 days......eeek!!!

trying to de-stress my bridesmaid(s)

You read that correctly. I am trying to de-stress them, not currently the other way around.
I don't as of yet have any sort of wedding dress/costume and have had no plans to even start looking or sewing for another couple weeks. I am fine with this and haven't been worried about it, but it's causing concern for some of them. It's amusing to me.
They will be happy to know that I talked to my friend and belly dance instructor, Sue. She is helping me with (or probably doing most of) my dress. We even went fabric shopping today, though I didn't actually come back with much of anything. Oh well, I still don't plan on starting anything until after the first weekend of october anyhow.

I won't pretend that I haven't been getting stressed out at all. Well, it's not exactly that I feel stressed as I know most of the stuff is done already (besides my dress - heehee) and I am on top of anything that remains. Most of the 'stress' for me is that I am just getting tired of it all. I'm not worried that things won't get done on time, etc., I am simply tired.
With that said, tomorrow is costume shopping with my brother. He hasn't been having any luck finding his costume so hopefully we will come across what he has been looking for.

For now, I have to go as I have a cat sitting behind me, tapping on my shoulder and purring in my ear, reminding me that she comes first. I am already risking her wrath in typing this last bit, but I had better not push it too far, so goodbye my sweets.

just felt like typing

nothing of any great interest to share, I just had the urge to write and couldn't think of what to write about. So here I am.
I apologize in advance to anyone who stumbles upon this post and actually takes the time to listen to me ramble on about nothing in particular. (Note: this was also an early warning...if you aren't into only somewhat coherent babbling, now is your chance to get out.)
I think I am just procrastinating..........again. This will be shocking news to those who know me well. Try not to fall off your seats in astonishment.
I should/could be working on any number of projects. With regards to the wedding I am currently working on music choices. I am getting tired of loading cds into the computer though. I think my ipod is starting to dislike me. I swear it is trying to send me messages about dj's, but I refuse to listen. I am standing firm and refusing to keep letting inanimate objects tell me what to do.
I would like to think that I am getting near the end of this, but we haven't even gotten together with our super-fantastic and musically gifted friend Adam yet (while we genuinely feel this way about Adam, I am not above using my feelings to suck up) so I have no idea what more work is to come.
Let's see, other wedding related goings on. Our invites are done, we think we have found rings but need to make a final decision and then order them, we found and booked an officiant with whom we are very happy - he may come costumed as well, the liqueur license is in which we have to pick up tomorrow in case of an LCBO strike, and we just had a food meeting with the berkeley though we don't have the tasting until september. I am sure there must be more we have done or are doing, but that's what I can recall.
Well, I've made lots of lists. I really like my lists....Really, really...........A lot.
I've been known to make lists about what to make lists about. Complete with headings and sub headings, pros and cons, different colours and styles of fonts and sometimes I even manage a footnote or two. I'm getting excited just thinking about it.
And now I am dragging Peter into my to-do filled world. It's fun to share. I am sure he appreciates it.

hunger is now winning out over my desire to prattle on. So till next time, have a splendiferous day!

registry completed....arrrgh (or take off the gh and make it a good pirate arrr - of course cover one eye if you choose that)

so it's finally all done. Our registry is up and running. Woohoo......I think?

Links are at the bottom if you want to skip my rant.
This whole registry thing is really weird. I have to say I always prefer when people have registries, it makes decsions so much easier and I know I am getting the person something they like. I can use my own great ideas when and if I have them, but they are never reliable and so then the registry comes in nice and handy.

Being on the other end of it this time was a totally different experience. How do people do this? So many decisions, what do I want, what do I need, how many, do places even have things I like cause I have to say that no one had charlies angels (the tv show-not movie) dinnerware. My brain still hurts and it is surprisingly exhausting.
I am also a person who has a hard time asking for things and that is still something I am grappling with. So even though I have absolutely no expectations about receiving anything, from anyone, it is still odd to me to put this giant wish list out there in the universe. My sister and Peter's mommy were a big help here. Thanks to both of you for going with me and all your help. Thanks to my mommy as well, cause even though she wasn't in the store with me, she had to put up with lots (and I do mean lots) of phone conversations surrounding the issue. Though she is probably used to putting up with most of my issues by now!

Well... despite my hesitations, here it is - our registry spread throughout three places: kitchen stuff plus, homeoutfitters and sears. Through the three we managed to find a selection of items we actually liked. I am providing links, but sears is the only one that has both the registry and online shopping available. Kitchen stuff I believe will email a list, but can't be accessed directly from the site. They do have online shopping, but aren't able to track purchases that way. As for homeoutfitters they have taken away all online shopping - what's up with that....all the bay related stores have done this. Don't these people understand that I no longer know how to shop any other way. Bad homeoutfitters, bad. Ok, actually, you may be able to purchase directly from the registry online, but I am not sure about that. I know all their other shopping is gone.

kitchen stuff plus - http://www.kitchenstuffplus.com/giftregistry/index.php?m=29
registry #1242

homeoutfitters - http://www.hbc.com/registry/find.aspx?gs=GIFTREGISTRY&site=bay&langid=EN
registry #08161226

sears - http://www.giftregistry.sears.ca/gift/egrSearch002.jsp
registry #200909336176

hotel recommendations

Well it took forever, but after asking around and scouring the internet we finally came up with a few recommendations for places to stay. We decided upon two of the more reasonably priced, but familiar hotels in the downtown core. Both options are a short taxi or transit ride to the venue.
Check internet prices as they quite often offer a better deal, however be aware of cancelation policies, etc. Also check to see if they have deals for CAA/AAA members, seniors, and such.
Currently (14th april) the rates at Days Hotel were a better price. I can't begin to say why, but there was something about the Holiday Inn that appealed to me more overall though.
There are tons of travel sites dedicated to finding deals so if neither of these appeal or you want to try to find a deal at one of the fancier establishments, then take a peak around for special offers, but hopefully this will help get things rolling.

Holiday Inn Express - 111 Lombard street, toronto, M5C 2T9
1 416 367 5555
www.hiexpress.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/yyzls

Days Hotel & conference centre - 30 Carlton street, toronto, M5B 2E9
1 416 977 6655
http://www.dayshoteltoronto.ca/

If you feel like something more luxurious, there are a plethora of options out there for you. A good intersection to use as a location guideline is Queen and Yonge streets.
To help guide you the link below will take you to a map of the area, our venue, etc.
http://www.weddingmapper.com/toronto/on/visit/0w329d

updates.........only slightly, but some venue porn

Finally had our first meeting with the planner from the venue, which has actually resulted in us actually getting a few things done.

Working on hotel recommendations so they should be coming along soon. Invites mostly done. Actually got around to finding an officiate. That's right, I have accomplished something that isn't craft related.


Peter and I still love the berkeley just as much as when we first viewed it. We tried to take some photos, but by the time we got around to it most of the lights were turned off. Oddly the only rooms that were still well lit well lit were the bathrooms.

Ah well, I have an odd thing for bathroom pics so I guess it's appropriate - these at least weren't graphic ones. (...and yes, I know, sometimes I share too much...........please still come to our wedding - heehee)

details/general info

So you have decided to attend our wedding (or perhaps you are still pondering, in which case you should just decide to come already). It is halloween themed so here are some details and a few things you may find helpful:

the date - friday 30th october 2009

the local - the berkeley
315 Queen east, Toronto, ON
M5A 1S7
(for both ceremony and reception)

the time - 7:00pm I think, have to get a confirmation on that one - confirmed, it's officially 700

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

the great pumpkin chasers (a.k.a. the wedding party)

well that would be Peter....and me (April) appearing as the groom and bride respectively (just in case there was any confusion).

faerie maidens
Robin Hegadoren
Rebekaah Uhrinek
Theadora Sideras

minions
Graham Kelly
Roger Llewellyn
Simon Bolduc

the most amazing, fantastical, enchanting flower girl ever (we are not biased, this is a scientific fact)
Kelly Wright

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

costumes
This is a dress up party and costumes are encouraged (home-made is awesome and a chance to see what strange and wonderful things are lurking at the back of your closet). We do understand that dressing up may not be for everyone and can cause undue amounts of stress for some. If you fall into this category then skip the costume and come in whatever makes you feel comfortable. We just want you to be there to celebrate with us!

the 'event'
This is a cocktail style party that will start with a short ceremony followed by dancing and general merriment. There will be drinks and appetizers throughout the night, but as we are not having a 'proper' dinner we recommend grabbing a bite before the ceremony. We're hoping to have some eatery suggestions for you, but that is yet to come.
As this is a cocktail event we ask that you leave kids...angels...brats...(fill in adjective of your choosing here) at home; preferably with someone to care for them as we do not wish to be responsible for any neglect.

places to stay
We don't have this info yet, but hopefully will have some recommedations in the future. For those who need to plan ahead (this is for my fellow obsessive compulsives), The Berkeley address is above. It is located just east of the Yonge and Queen street intersection (about a 15-20 minute walk or 5-10 min streetcar ride). For out of towners, Yonge and Queen is in the heart of downtown Toronto, right by the south entrance to the Eaton Centre and close to the theatre district.

update - there are a ton of hotels in downtown toronto, so feel free to explore options on your own, but in an effort to make life a little easier we tried to find a couple recommendations with some reasonable rates. Suggest you check internet rates as they are often better deals. Both of these locations are in the downtown core and a short taxi ride from the venue. Hope it's helpful. For more information follow this link to our post simply about hotel recommendations http://tarnishedtaffeta.blogspot.com/2009/04/hotel-recommendations.html

Holiday Inn Express - 111 Lombard Street, Toronto, ON, M5C 2T9 www.hiexpress.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/yyzls

Days Hotel and conference centre - 30 Carlton Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 2E9 http://www.dayshoteltoronto.ca/

registry
Not done yet. We are still mourning the loss of Canadian Tire as a registry option (as they have discontinued this service - we have put a hex on them). We are probably going to go with Kitchen Stuff Plus and Home Outfitters so you can look for our names there in the future or we will keep you updated here.

update - registries are done - finally. For more details follow this link http://tarnishedtaffeta.blogspot.com/2009/04/registry-completedarrrgh-or-take-off-gh.html
here are the basics

kitchen stuff plus - http://www.kitchenstuffplus.com/giftregistry/index.php?m=29
registry #1242

homeoutfitters - http://www.hbc.com/registry/find.aspx?gs=GIFTREGISTRY&site=bay&langid=EN
registry #08161226

sears - http://www.giftregistry.sears.ca/gift/egrSearch002.jsp
registry #200909336176

a name note
As delighted as I am to be part of the Kelly clan, I am still me. My name will remain as is. I only mention this here because it is important that I do not become lost in someone elses identity or tied into a role as 'Mrs'. I would prefer to be refered to by my name only - ok, the various nicknames that have been attributed to me still apply. Thanks for respecting my wishes.

a map
http://www.weddingmapper.com/toronto/on/visit/0w329d

the end
Peter and I will fill in missing info here as we acquire it. We will also add anything else that might be of interest, ie. suggested activities for out or towners, etc. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to post comments and we will do our best to respond accordingly. TTFN darlin's.

April & Peter