Weddings and the City...

Suzie Moldowan brought DreamGroup on board last year to assist her with the planning of her 2010 wedding and we, along with Associate Planner, Alicia Keats, have been enjoying quite possibly one of the most riveting and hilarious writers DreamGroup has ever seen since then! Here is yet another fantastic glimpse into Suzie's planning journey...enjoy!

Ok...I can say good morning now. Reese is about to go down for her nap and we are slowly settling in to life in the desert.

So, Good Morning.

Now, on a much more important note, I have news. Fairly irrelevant to those living in third world countries albeit groundbreaking nonetheless. I feel it is important for you to know that Mischa has finally "turned". While lying in bed 2 short nights ago, my soon to be husband, after months of questions surrounding wedding themes, colours, decor and floral arrangements, woke up in the middle of the night to wake me. Why? Sit back for this one. He had an idea for the wedding that he couldn't wait to share.

Hee hee.

Imagine. 200 pounds of muscle, adorable in his man-ness and, up unitl recently, unable to roll an eye when asked which pattern he prefers, nudged me....with enthusiasm if I might add, to let me know that he thinks we should take "team photos" for our guest book. Moreover, not only had he thought out who should be in the pic, but he had taken the time, in the wee hours, to plan out the layout of the shot and how it should be displayed so as to not "cheapen" the theme of our special day!

Let me put this in perspective for you. This is a man, who I love endlessly by the way, who fakes coma if not death when our totally perfect daughter decides she wants to play at 4am. Yet, when struck with an idea for our wedding, not only comes to full wakefulness but takes the time to think it through (another anomally for Misch) before arousing me to "share" his brilliant idea.

Are you reading my mail here? Indeed, I would be lying if I told you I wasn't scared but there is a small part of me that feels proud for this transformation of sorts. I realize, at this point, that I have 2 things to consider. Either my fiancé is on the verge of becoming a groomzilla or he's gay. The latter of which I can assure you is not true.

I promise to keep you in the loop on this one as I now find myself entering sleepy time with apprehension and a wink of trepidation. What will he think of next? How many more "brilliant" ideas will he want to share? Is he planning on
commenting on the decor now? Ahhhhhh. It's a slippery slope, no?

Anyways, be advised that while his ideas can be great, they seem to revolve around anything sports related and linked to a stick and puck. I'm afraid that our guests will sit down to eat their meals with a miniature hockey stick and a knife with a skate blade attached on the end.

Pity me please because pandora's box has been opened.

Suzie

Weddings and the City...

DreamGroup client, Suzie Moldowan, brought Associate Planner, Alicia Keats, on board last year to assist her with the planning of her 2010 wedding. Since then, Alicia and the rest of DreamGroup have been enjoying some of the most entertaining writing DreamGroup has ever seen! Hope you enjoy this week's glimpse into Suzie's planning journey as much as we did!

Hi hi Alicia!


My goodness time has flown by. Can't believe that it is almost June. Moreover, can't believe that we are getting married in 2 months....this is particularly frightening given my waistline at the moment.


Have to wonder how long I can use the "just had a baby" excuse to explain away the spare tire I am carrying around my mid-section. Might have to lie and blame Mischa as he obviously is forcing cake and cookies on me in an effort to out shine me on our special day.


I am sooooo on to him.


Nonetheless, in true form, I am ready to conquer the day and will start by responding to your lovely email. I have already changed 2 diapers worthy of a hazmat team and have a local SWAT team on speed dial as Reese has turned into psycho baby thanks to new teeth popping up. I swear I saw her eyes change colour yesterday as she took on an appearance close to devil spawn.


Not happy. Thank god she is so damn cute 'cause she is a poster child for ear plugs right now.


Moving along, I have some good news. Pucks are ordered and en route. They will be here on the 31st. Moreover, I have something so cool to show you (for the kids) that I haven't even shared with Mom yet! God I love these and when I showed Misch, I think he wished he was joining the under age crew instead of the adults, giggle. More to the point, when I came across these little gems they literally called out to me. I now believe that any expenditures that I incur are out of my control as I am being guided by a higher power. Can't help it....the cosmos are infusing me with credit card splendour and well, I am helpless really. Furthermore, who am I to fuss with karmic destiny?


Don't want to piss off any man on a mountain for fear that I will misalign my inner chi, chu...or is it cha? Which reminds me, I could go for a chai.


Anyways, back on track here. Let me address some of my homework.


In terms of Jamie, give her another email please. She is crazy busy and we have attempted to chat more than a few times but to no avail. She might need a few emails to get a response. Persistence is the key with her. Thanks for this in advance.


I am looking forward to seeing the bags. I trust they will look fabulous and truth be told, I am so attracted to anything that involves the word shopping that even the scent of grocery shopping gets me excited these days. Thus, I am feeling an affinity with these wonderful wedding "favours" which I am certain will contribute to my overall well being.


Sad I know but cut me some slack - my best audience is a 10 month old and spending the day pureeing fruit and vegetables is normal for me. Little things make me happy it seems.


I can confirm that the deposit to Sarah was mailed and the one to Houle was as well. I haven't gotten confirmation from either though so is a call warranted? Let me know your thoughts on this.


We are finally shooting our engagement shoot with Scott this weekend Sunday)! Indeed, the "engagement" premise seems slightly lost but so are our tans so no harm, no foul. I have instructed Mischa to practice his "I am so over the moon in love with you and my life is nothing without you" look but I am afraid that all I have witnessed is him "vogueing", naked if I might add, admiring his man pecks. Random double takes seem to be his style at the moment and I am prepared to see an engagement book that resembles a photographic slideshow from the early 80's. Think Simon Le Bon meets bald German with strong love of self.

Logistics for street hockey are not coming along yet but will. I am taking a trip into the school next week as we are interviewing for teh other grade 7 position at the school...someone I will be working closely with so I am anxious to be a part of the decision. I will ask about borrowing the equipment etc and get back to you on this.


TCC sleepover is a work in progress. I vow to get this to you by the end of the month. Promise.


Wedding accommodations still not booked but will be....


We are ring shopping this week, yikes. Still explaining to him why a twist tie is inappropriate and moreover, why we CANNOT go to the mall, put a quarter in the machine, crack open the plastic egg and use that for a ring. God help me on this one.


Crap....Reese is gurgling...soon to be followed by a blood curdling scream if I don't hurry up.


Last few things to share:


Country Club fell through for rehearsal dinner but we have booked Brock House instead - Mom and I are meeting with them tomorrow to discuss details and view the space. I am actually much happier with this.


Mom and I will get the invitations out next week also.


Hmmm, know I am forgetting something but can't think with Reese stirring. Hope this helps! Looking forward to seeing you soon and will write again in the near
future.


Talk soon,


Suze

Weddings and the City...

DreamGroup's very own "Carrie Bradshaw", Suzie Moldowan, brought DreamGroup on board last year to assist her with the planning of her 2010 wedding. Since then, Associate Planner, Alicia Keats, and the rest of DreamGroup have been enjoying one of the most entertaining writers DreamGroup has ever seen! This week's glimpse into Suzie's planning journey is by FAR one of the most hilarious yet...enjoy!

Morning Alicia,

I thought it was about time to get back "in the loop" as I feel I have been dropping the literary ball to say the least. More to the point, I have not forced myself to think of anything beyond tomorrow's grocery list and this is growing old to say the least.

Now, having said that, I feel it necessary to use this email as a confession of sorts. More importantly, and to be honest, I fear that with motherhood has come a certain level of stupidity. Throw in an upcoming wedding and well, hey, you've got a recipe for craziness, no?

At this point, I require you to close your eyes and imagine all things holy (I am having you do this as I will most certainly be struck by lightening given my unholy and somewhat debaucherous lifestyle).

Hmmm, is that a word? Debaucherous? Oh well, it is now.

Anyways, please cue angels humming in the background as well and, just for spice, let's throw in a rockin' gospel choir too. Love them gospel singers!

Now, make your way into the confessional (you'll have to do this for me as well given my judaic roots) and sit down. You are ready.

Here it goes....

After I woke this morning and went through the regular routine of what morning brings: pee, baby, dirty diaper, nurse, clean any leftover dishes from soon to be's midnight snack, make breakfast for baby etc...I realized that I was getting anxious if not eager - much like I do every morning. But why? Why was I feeling giddy when there was clearly nothing exciting going on? Then it hit me.

Oh god. I can't believe I am admitting this.

I realized, moreover I had a revelation, that I, a well educated, competent, strong woman was anxiously awaiting the start of "Rich Bride, Poor Bride." A show on the Slice network that I think relegates me to some status unbecoming of ...well...I dunno. To make matters worse, once the program actually came on, I found myself spewing a litany of expletives once I learned that it was a repeat!

By god! How dare these people play with my sanity. I have small moments in the day that remind me I am an adult and this, sadly I know, is one of them. Just knowing that I myself am in the middle of planning a wedding, MY wedding, and with the help of a planner allows me to remind myself that I too am at an age that grants me certain privileges. I am more than a diaper changing, food pureeing, un-glamourous mommy. By golly, I am an engaged woman!

Indeed, in desperate need of a makeover which can easily be seen in that I have yet to put on a bra this week - not a pretty site given that I am still breastfeeding. Moving on....

On that note, while I have surrendered to "Say Yes to the Dress" and other such wedding cult shows, I have begun to suppress the shame. I have yet to figure out whether or not this is a good thing. At first, I told myself that I was falling victim in an effort to gain inspiration for my big day but once Mischa reminded me that that excuse didn't add up (primarily due to the fact that I had in fact purchased my dress within a month of the proposal), I soon realized I had to come up with some more reasons for my decline into the abyss of bad TV.

Having said that, and after another budget meeting yesterday with my fab planner, I now have learned that I have finally been heard by the buddha after all! Sweet jesus...he WAS listening!

Turns out that all those mornings that I insisted I was "educating" myself on how to stay within the budget have finally paid off! Yeehaw! Seems we are in fact not in the poor house just yet and after having it confirmed (by that amazing planner mentioned above) that we are saving here and balancing out there, we will still be able to "create, plan and wow!"

Start the parade folks cause this, in Moldowan-ese means more moula to play with! Ya! Ya! YYYYAAAAAAA! More shoes, more accessories, more details....the possibilities are endless really! Perhaps we'll have the aisle sprinkled with gold leaf? Maybe we can budget for personal servers to fan guests and supply grapes... I mean come on. There has to be some celebration. Some sort of recognition for all the hours I have spent on the couch, bouncing my daughter while "learning" how to manage my mom's money in the way of a budget?

Giggle. Giggle.

Ok Mom, settle down. No need to worry. I am fully aware that the grapes are excessive. We can talk more though, right?

Have a fabulous day ladies and be assured and comforted knowing that I am out there, keeping the slice channel in business, staying "current." Uh oh, gotta run. Wedding SOS is about to start!

Cheers!

Suzie

Click here to view Suzie's entire collection of entries so far!

Weddings and the City...

Suzie Moldowan brought DreamGroup on board last year to assist her with the planning of her 2010 wedding and we, along with Associate Planner, Alicia Keats, have been enjoying quite possibly one of the most riveting and hilarious writers DreamGroup has ever seen since then! Here is yet another fantastic glimpse into Suzie's planning journey...enjoy!

Ok gals, after much stress and many played out scenarios in my head, I am happy to report that we will not need to ask the seamstress if she is in fact able to let OUT my wedding dress.

Phew.

This evening, while Mischa sat in the front room mildy hyperventilating and stuttering, I ventured into the washroom for a date with a stick. Armed with today's technology, I took 3 huge breaths, pulled down my pants, briefly caught a glimpse of my not so tight post prego body and began the "test." Visions of November 2008 lingered in my mind as it was clear that I had in fact been in this exact position before and trust me, it wasn't pretty. Now, in test numero uno, I sat, legs spread, while I watched (in slow mo by the way) my pee cascade down like Shannon Falls on a hot summer day. Indeed, it is debatable whether or not the giggling I heard in my head at that time was my own nervous guffaws or that of the urine itself knowing all to soon just what was to come. For all intents and purposes, I am leaning towards the latter. Nevertheless, my eyes were glued to the indicator strip as I had been instructed to so clearly watch in an effort to guarantee accuracy.

And thank god for accuracy.

Now, you should know (and some of you do already), that the instructions clearly stated that you should hold the stick for 5 secs before any reading would appear. Not the case. The minute "contact" was made I found myself staring at a bold plus sign that was irrefutable. In this case, the glove fit....a mere 38 weeks later I was staring into the eyes of my adorable and extremely gifted daughter.

I tell you this because I was, truth be told, expecting something similar to happen while hunched over the porcelain throne this evening. Thankfully, despite the absence of water imagery as in this case it was more reminiscent of something akin to equine relief (I tried to find an elegant way of putting this), I was greeted with a sign that I was, in some ways, not ready for. Give me addition, multiplication or division for that matter but subtraction? Sigh.

Yup, there it was, staring at me. A big minus.

Relieved? Yes. A little sad? Yeah, a little sad too.

Needless to say, timing isn't good and I am not going to be walking down the aisle with an "escort." Amen. Can only imagine what comments would arise from that, giggle.

So, there you have it. Thank you all for your kind words as I danced with panic.

Perhaps you'll be happy to hear that Mischa and I are still on the pill however, we have upgraded to spermicide baths and saran wrap sex. Yea, you read that right. Hey, don't judge. The latter, albeit hot and sticky (pun intended), is more fun than you think...just make sure your partner pokes holes in the mouth as I was less on the ball and mistook Mischa's muffled cries as new sexy time love mutterings. More to the point, I don't recommend laughing it off as Misch also didn't find his accidental suffocation amusing.

Kill joy.

Ok, must hit the sack as I have a brunch date tomorrow with my man and favourite little girl.

Love to you all and talk soon.

Suze
XOXOX

Weddings and the City...

Associate Planner Alicia Keats, is currently working with (and being entertained by) quite possibly one of the most riveting and hilarious writers we DreamGroup gals have ever known! Suzie Moldowan brought DreamGroup on board last year to assist her with the planning of her 2010 wedding and we've been enjoying our our very own Carrie Bradshaw ever since! Here is yet another fantastic excerpt from Suzie's planning journey...enjoy!

Morning again,


Whew...amazing how much better the synapses are flying once daylight hits and brain activity picks up speed.


Valentine's Day was a laugh. Jayna was great and I think we are on the right track in terms of what I am wanting. I was not in a great head space for a variety of reasons and was not good at helping her understand what I was looking for...I felt badly but I think I am going to see if we could do another consultation, with the money going towards the package as we will definitely go with her on the day. Having said that, she is fun and has a good energy...all thumbs up from me.


Sooooo happy to hear that my fantasies aren't going to waste and that someone appreciates them. Every time I try to entertain Mischa with them, he feels "cheated" in that he feels our fantasies are apparently different. I am going to try a new technique though in an effort to align our imaginative dreaming and plan on approaching the subject, that being our decor, while decked out in non-motherly attire. Translation: I will delve into the land of questionable morals and loose values all in the name of this wedding.


Geez, what I sacrifice!


Moving on....sooo glad you are not poo-pooing my ideas. Moreover, couldn't be happier that you are digging the Wii and roadie game! Rock on girl. After dessert and before speeches sounds good. I feared I was on the verge of over-doin' it, whew! I think we should ask Andrea at TCC if they have a TV available and failing that, we can easily use one from our place and drop it off. No problems there. As for the hockey nets, I can borrow them from the school and we can pick those up and deliver them prior to the wedding also.


I listened to the band and they sound great but I am concerned about the cost of $2300. I am assuming that is not negotiable? Let me know the details when you get them because I am definitely interested. Would love to have the horn players too but we are now quite a bit over the $800 for the DJ. Your thoughts here? If we went with these guys and they agreed to the ceremony as well, are we closer to budget?


Hmmm, what else. Ahhh, the reusable shopping bags, they were from Weddingstar magazine and they work out to be about $1.99 a bag. Mom still thinks we should do a different gift for the men so I will look into another favor also. I will bring the mag when I see you next.


As for Garlands, I will stay tuned. Are we able to meet with Evan from Flowerz as well? Are we going to meet with Colin from Upright too? I have some more pics with floral and decor ideas that I think might work.


This weekend might work well for me for a dress date. Sat could work but I need to get back to you on this as I usually tutor in the am. Sunday could work but I can only do afternoon as Mischa, Reese and I always go for brunch and it is the date you can't break!


Let me know what ya think?


Suzie

Weddings and the City...

Here is another entry from Suzie’s planning journey…

Ok, actually have a minute to write as Reese is just waking and still a bit woozy - gotta love it.

Soooo glad to hear you had a great time and enjoyed the sun. I trust you had a cocktail or two for me please as this breastfeeding thing is making me forget what girly libations actually taste like. Might have to have a taste of one prior to the wedding otherwise I am a sure fire to get blitzed on a sniff of something and find myself one of two ways:

#1. Dancing on the tables naked while carrying on as though I am in an all night karaoke bar or,

#2. Passed out in the underground parking garage...hmmm, strangely reminiscent of my high school days.

Either way, neither are pretty. Please add "Re-introduction to Booze" on the list of things to do and once I start weening the wee one off of the boob in a few months, we'll get to it. Oh, and by the way, this could increase the budget.

All right, with that outta the way, on to the other stuff. I do love Garlands and I am sorry that the meeting time tomorrow doesn't work. I could do later or earlier (early or late morning) but I have a hair appt at 1pm that I tried to move and have yet to hear back from her.

If you feel good about them then sure, let's pay the deposit and meet with them after our meeting. I am not imagining a flower explosion at the wedding so, I think if we give them a budget to work with everyone will be happy.

Thanks for the info re: Jayna. I am looking forward to meeting with her.

On another note, I was unsuccessful in drugging Misch however, I have told him that if we don't get it done this weekend I will cease all cooking and cleaning....indefinitely.

Ok, I think that's it. When were you thinking of meeting?

Looking forward to seeing you!

S.

Weddings and the City...

Recently, Associate Planner Alicia Keats, has had the pleasure of working with (and being entertained by) quite possibly one of the most riveting and funny writers we DreamGroup gals have ever known. Suzie Moldowan brought DreamGroup on board last year to assist her with the planning of her 2010 wedding. Quite quickly we realized we had our very own Carrie Bradshaw as a client! Her ability to express herself and detail her wedding planning experiences led us to the idea that perhaps other brides out there might benefit from her light-hearted and sometimes deeply personal opinions on going through the motions of wedding planning and life in general. With her fiancé Mischa by her side and daughter Reese attached to her front... we hope you enjoy Suzie's tellings of a beautiful life in motion and the experiences that come with it.

“Things here are swimming along (pun intended). We found a cool website called myglassslipper.com and it is awesome. Lots of different shoe styles to see. Moreover, while out and about, I found a pair of Betsy Johnson heels that I would sell my soul for...have begun throwing out every excuse I can think of to Mischa to help him realize why I MUST have these shoes despite the $160 price tag. He of course, lacks the female ability to understand why my life is pointless without them and I am becoming more and more aware of his man-icapped deficiencies.

Humph. Who cares when I'll wear them next? At least I'll know I own them....soooo sparkly, sooo shiny and, when I listen carefully, they actually talk to me. What can I say? I am helpless.

Anyways, fingers and toes crossed that I might be able to rationalize the need for these beauties over our need for food and shelter. More to the point, it is my dreaded 34th birthday tomorrow and I am certain they would restore my inner feeling of self worth despite the fact that I seem to be aging.

Talk soon!”

Suzie