Job Update and Christmas Plans

So I have been doing well. Just really busy. It seems like we thought after we got married, life would slow down a bit but it's turned out that we are either busier or about the same amount of busy as before we got married (minus the wedding planning - which, oddly, I miss doing).

I did well at that Craft Fair back in November. Made some spending money and got a couple orders for more things. It's kind of exciting :)

Jeremy is doing well. He is working in town now (Yay!) for Jim's Electric. He's finding it challenging because there's a lot of jobs that require him to work on things that he's never done before and because Jim's is so busy, Jeremy is working by himself quite a bit and isn't able to always ask for help or advice.

It's good though. He appreciates the blessing of having a job where he's home every night (I do too!) and he's enjoying the lack of fast food for supper.

I'm still working at the retirement home 4 days a week and then on Friday's, I either travel to Tilley and work at the shop for Dad. If the roads are bad or if plans change, I am able to work at home using a program that connects my computer at work to my laptop. It works great and it saves gas :)

Christmas this year I think will work out pretty good. On the 22nd, we are going to Jeremy's parents' house and having Christmas with his family (that's when everyone could be there this year).

Christmas Eve is going to be our traditional Fondue Party with Aunt Lene and Mike at Mom and Dad's house in Tilley. I love it because it's not a heavy meal and you don't feel gross afterwards. We bring out fondue pots, raclettes and small grills and we make steak, chicken, shrimp, and then we have different kinds of vegetables, seasonings, etc. And for dessert, we do chocolate and fruit. It's a really good way to not overeat over the holidays because while you wait for your food to cook, your food settles and your body registers that you're full faster than if you're stuffing your face with turkey, potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, etc.

For Christmas Day, there's going to be a large "Wester" gathering. My mom is thinking of renting out the Community Hall. That way, they have the large kitchen to work with, plenty of space for everyone to go, etc. It should be good. This is our first Christmas as a married couple!

Anyway, since it's Friday, I have to get to working on the Wester's Website.

Until next time!!

Marriage/Life Mini-Update

So things have been good since the wedding day. Jeremy had been working out of town since before the wedding. Well, we were blessed with the good news that he has been hired on where his brother works, Jim's Electric, here in Medicine Hat so he'll be home every night starting mid-November. We're both really excited and glad that he won't be away so much.

I am still at my same job as a receptionist at a retirement home and it's been going well... things are a bit tense in some situations but I think I'm handling it as best I can.

Anyway, I'm going into this Craft Fair my sister is hosting in Tilley. I am making a bunch of crafts and stuff. I'll have to post about that at some point too... stay tuned :)

We're Back!

So the wedding - as far as I know - went great. We all had a great time. The ceremony was great, pictures went awesome, the reception and food and program turned out well and everyone has had nothing but complements for us. We had an amazing day. I just think it went by too fast.

Well, now I'll be working on uploading pictures to all the posts. Stay tuned and remember to keep checking back for them!

Rachelle

In the Home Stretch

So life has been crazy. We just got back from Summerland from a family reunion this past weekend. The weekend before was a Bible School reunion. The week before that was a wedding in Waldheim. This coming weekend I'm hoping to not do anything so that I can wind down a bit.

So far, this week is already ridiculous. I have to finish payroll for work, have a church Bridal Shower, meet with our Pastor, work on favours, centerpieces, prepare for people to see our condo, seating plan, and more.

Now, I'm working on finding some things I put away and need to get. I'm going to go through my lists as well and email the bridal party and MC's the info that I have too.

Here I go.....
Rachelle

Coming Down To It

Well, it's less than 3 weeks to the wedding and it's getting real. I am doing up some little things - finishing touches - and I'm thinking more and more about the logistics for things and other little things that have to get done. I think I'm getting there, I just wish that I had more time to do some things. Next weekend is full. We're having a Putici family reunion in Summerland so that weekend is a write-off and the next weekend is the last weekend before the wedding so it's going to be a frantic finishing up of all other details.

I just wish that Jeremy was home. He would be such a comfort that no one else could be. I'm glad that he is able to come back home for the family reunion.

Well, back to wedding stuff, I am just working on putting together some activity baskets for the kids at the reception. I don't think there are going to be too many kids but it'll be good to have just in case.

I do have a few other things that I want to do ahead of time so I am going to be working on those things this week as much as I can.

Talk to you all later!
Rachelle

Wedding Bands

Did I mention that I got our wedding bands? I will post pictures afterwards but I have been carrying them around in my purse since the beginning of July. I'm so impressed. They look amazing.

Jeremy wasn't able to pick his out because he was away for work but we had gone through some jewelry stores ahead of time and he showed me what he liked. I had gone in to pick our rings at the beginning of June and I got the call that they had come in on July 5th.

I went to pick them up on the 6th and I was so excited. I love how they turned out and I can't wait to wear mine forever.

Stay tuned readers!
Rachelle


UPDATE:
Pictures Added!!

I love the way my band looks with my engagement ring!

What's Left?

Well, I have finished quite a bit in the last while - or so it feels like. I have ordered the last of the decorations, the ties for our ring bearers, my shoes came in yesterday (SO EXCITED!!), favours are ordered, flowers are taken care of, I met with one of our MC's to discuss the program for the reception and she is taking care of that, Jeremy's working on the reception music playlist, I am working on lists to give out to people (instructions/directions for the day before/day of the wedding).

The bridal shower went really well last weekend. I had a lot of fun and there were quite a few people there that I didn't expect which was a great surprise and I was feeling blessed that they were able to come.

My sister did a great job of planning and her and my mom put together a great party. Thanks!!

Now, there are a few other things that I have to work on:
- "preferred photos" list for photographers
- list for "Day Of Coordinator"
- list of instructions for ushers
- list of instructions for take-down of church
- list of instructions for take-down of reception decorations
- itinerary for wedding party, parents, coordinator, etc.
- thank you notes from the Bridal Shower
- small extras :)

I am very excited. 25 sleeps!!!
Rachelle

32 Sleeps.....

Okay, so it's been a super long time. Time for an update.

First thing is that I'm really excited because I ordered my wedding shoes online. I also went shopping this past Saturday and found some other shoes as well so I'm tossing the idea around of getting them both (huge grin on my face!).

I set tomorrow (our 1 month mark) as our RSVP deadline and I have already heard from almost everyone. I think that's very uncommon! I was worried at first that everyone would say yes and that we'd be stuck with too many people and I would feel super terrible.

Anyway, I finished getting my bubbles ready for the ceremony. I got a container that's really classy looking for them and I'm excited about them.

I have ordered a few more things for the decorations and I'm trying to get everything organized in my head ahead of time.

I ordered our wedding bands - by myself because Jeremy was away on work - and then they arrived and they look awesome. I picked those up earlier this month and I love them.

There are a few things to do. I have to order flowers, favours, and I have some meetings coming up with our pastor and our MC's to get schedules and programs figured out.

I'm trying to think of what else I can write. The bridesmaid dresses are in and the girls like them (bonus) and the guys' suits are ordered, measured, and paid for, the ties and squares are in, the bridesmaids gifts are all done, etc. I don't know what else to write. Maybe you could comment below and let me know if I've missed anything or if you want to know anything in particular. And I will be posting photos after the wedding so that you can all have an idea of the how-to rather than just the finished product.

My Bridal Shower is this Thursday so I'm looking forward to that too. Then I'm headed to a wedding in Saskatchewan. And my next couple weekends are reunions away from home so I'm a busy, busy bride.

Until I hear from you...
Rachelle

Bridesmaid Dresses

The dresses are in. They arrived yesterday and I think they're great. I immediately took them over to Cassie's and she tried it on over her clothes. I'm excited to see the other girls in the dresses too. The lady said they'd come in 4-6 weeks and today is exactly 6 weeks since I ordered them! I'll post pictures after the wedding!!

Good night everyone!
Rachelle

Finally!

Invitations are finally - almost done. Let me explain. I have all of my invitations assembled but the majority of them are missing one component and all of them are missing another component. I will be making a map of direction to the church and reception locations and I don't have the information on my home computer. I will be finishing those on Friday which will be a pretty quick task to complete.

The other part is individual cards that include information about registry, accommodations, our wedding website, etc. and I'm just waiting on some more paper to come from my mom's friend (Whisper White by Stampin' Up!).

Also, good news: dark blue wax arrived for the centerpieces. I am thinking I am going abandon my original thought and change it up a little bit. I'm going to make up one first to just check how things look and I'll pick the better look! It'll be awesome.

Another thing is that I got "tissue" (not "Kleenex" brand) packages for the church and I decorated those up a bit and I completed them tonight.

I have a few things to do before I go to bed but Good Night for now :)
Rachelle

Update

Alright, so, here's an update:

The centerpiece idea that I had from the beginning of my planning was falling through. The colours weren't working together. But, after thinking more about it and talking to my sister, I decided to order a different colour that will work better. I will have to make up a mock one and take a photo of it. I'm very confident that it's going to work out a lot better now!

I ordered the bridesmaid dresses and I'm excited to see them except I have to wait another one and a half to three and a half weeks. I'm sure they'll be great! Oh, I don't know if I wrote this before but I got a dress for myself too - only in a different colour. I can't wait.

This last week was our 6 months as an engaged couple. It also signifies the date that I'm supposed to take my engagement ring in for cleaning/inspection. I haven't done it yet but hopefully this coming week I will have a free day.

As for invitations, I have - mostly - all the pieces cut out. I have assembled... 2... but I'm on my way to more! To envision them is one thing but to finally see the finished product is so great. It's becoming a little more real.

This weekend, we are heading to Edmonton for YC 2010. It's going to be a long and tiring weekend. One thing I'm really excited about is the coach bus we're getting... instead of a 15 passenger van. It's going to be more relaxing that way!

Well, life is crazy but I'm coping. Sometimes I want to scream at my boss, sometimes I want to shut the world off, sometimes I want to stop time... all these are impossible for me so what I end up doing is taking a big (really big) breath and organize my thoughts. I make a mental "To Do" list and it helps me to prioritize.

Anyway, now that I've gotten that all talked about, I'm off to pack for the weekend. Good night!
Rachelle

3 Months

I can't believe it's just under 3 months to the wedding. I feel both organized and disorganized at the same time. Tonight I am working on making lists for ushers, helpers, MC's, speakers, etc. I think it'll make me feel a little more organized.

I bought ink for my printer today and I have the invitation and enclosure cards all ready to print. I also have all the other extras ready to go for the invitations. I'm still collecting addresses and getting ready to print out address labels.

Other than that, I'm working on other small details.

Can I just say that I feel very blessed. Jeremy's parents and my parents are still together. I have been more and more interested in shows called Wedding SOS and "Rich Bride, Poor Bride" and I'm actually watching one Wedding SOS right now where there are 4 different families to "please" and it puts a lot of stress on the couple and on the families as well. It's so hard to imagine we getting through that but I'm very thankful that that is the kind of things we don't have to worry about.

Thank you Garnet and Audrey and Mom and Dad. You have been a great example to us as a God-fearing couple who desire to have Christ at the centre of the marriage. Thank You!!

Rachelle (and Jeremy)

New Things

So it's been a while and a few things have happened in that time...

I have moved out of my sister's home and into my own condo. I am renting right now and then we'll see what the future brings. For now, I am loving the quietness and coziness of "my own home". Jeremy has moved a lot of his stuff in already so the transition after the wedding shouldn't be too big except that there will be another whole person living with me.

I haven't started on my invitations yet (eek!) but I'm on my way. I have my paper and ribbon and other things. All I'm really waiting for is a printer and the Internet at my place so that I can get cracking. I do have the return address labels, envelopes, and recipient address labels ready to go so that's good. I also have all my postage stamps and I just have to stick them on the envelopes.

I started my registry at Sears and I've done it all online. I don't know where else to register except this little place called Kitchen Kaboodle downtown Medicine Hat that was suggested to me by my future Mother-in-Law. There's a lot of nice kitchen stuff which would be really fun to go through. I was thinking of registering at The Bay too but I'm not sure about that now. I would really love to register at Home Outfitters but the closest one is in Lethbridge and I don't get there very often.

I still have to order bridesmaid dresses but I wanted to get a little more input. I'm kind of thinking I'll just order them anyway.

We have started our premarital counselling and so far so good. I love our pastor and he's a really great guy who is easy to talk to and he makes you feel comfortable. He's not one of those guys who knows a lot and lets you know that. He doesn't pretend to have it all together - because no one really does!

Once I get my kitchen table - today - I will start working on those lists and getting really organized. I would hate to get to our rehearsal and have no idea what's going on for my own wedding.

Well, we'll see how things go and I'll post more later.
Rachelle

Things Are Arriving...

So I love the Internet! I have ordered lots of wedding stuff online and now it's just waiting until it all arrives. A couple days ago my table number stands and my string lights arrived. Last week, my ribbon and candle things arrived. Today my invitation envelopes arrived. Things are progressing nicely. I'm beginning to think that there's only so much you can "pre-do" and then it's a bit of a rush the last few days.

Jeremy and I were in Swift Current this past weekend and I found some more candles for the church. We were visiting friends and then family in Eastend. Then we were in Medicine Hat for a night and headed to Tilley for the other side of the family's Easter meal. Mom and I put together one of the centerpieces and I think they're going to be really nice. I'm excited to see it all come together. I hope it works out nicely.

Well, now I have to wait for a few more things. Paper, mailing labels, return address labels, and a couple more centerpiece elements.

I think I'm getting most things done in good time.
We still have to:
- pick out suits/tuxes for the guys but I think we're going to wait until Kevin gets back from Nova Scotia.
- decide/pick out flowers
- order bridesmaid dresses (I have them picked out already)
- REGISTER!
- a few more others I am unsure of right now

One of these days I'm going to have to write out a few detailed lists. One as a checklist, a couple for select people on the day of the wedding (assignments, checklists, etc.), one for things to remember to take on our honeymoon, things to do when we get back, lists for programs, thank yous, and many many more... Good thing I like making lists.

Until next time,
Rachelle

Bridesmaid Dresses

I have finally found bridesmaid dresses... and I didn't even step foot in one bridal shop.

After "Googling" many many sites on "green bridesmaid dresses" or "green dresses", shopping the the States - where there was absolutely no green to be seen anywhere, I had a hunch and I entered "bridesmaid dress" into http://www.etsy.com. That site didn't let me down! I was so excited to be able to cross one more item off of my "To Do" list. How fun!

They are great dresses that can be worn multiple ways. It's a wrap dress. I'm letting the girls pick whichever way is most comfortable for them and they can wear them however they like.

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/listing/53586594/coda-wrap-dress-in-matte-finish-over-a

I'll post pictures after. In case you're wondering why I haven't posted more, there are a few reasons. I would like for everyone to be surprised (the main one) and some things I need to keep a secret from bridal party or Jeremy. After the wedding, I will update all the posts and include pictures where I can!!

Take Care!
Rachelle

Much Done, Much To Do

Okay, so since my last post, we have done quite a bit! We had to change our date for meeting with our caterer until later in the week but my parents, Jeremy's mom, Jeremy and I visited Chinook Village to pick out our menu, see what features were available, what the regulations of the facility are, etc. The meeting went really well and smoothly.

After we picked our menu, we headed to the Holiday Inn Express to book hotel rooms and do the whole block-off thing. We got there and we booked rooms but we couldn't do block-offs because the manager wasn't there. I took home her business card and emailed her instead but she has since emailed me requesting me to call her about details so I have yet to do that. I think that will be this week's project.

A couple weeks ago, we booked our honeymoon. We are very excited about it but we are keeping it a secret until after we get back. I'll give you a couple hints, we're leaving the country... and we're going where neither of us have been before. That narrows it down a bit, right? Ha ha.

Last week, Jeremy and I headed to the only Dollarama in town and checked out things for the wedding (specifically: centerpieces). Earlier, I was so excited to find a couple things online that I wanted and couldn't find in any stores here. The things from the Dollarama were for some others that I couldn't find or were too expensive elsewhere. I am totally going to be a (repeat) name-dropper here but, seriously, Dollarama has good quality and many items that you'd never find at your Dollar Giant or Dollar Plus Store. I found the perfect things to complete my centerpiece vision and Jeremy even liked the idea so that's a major plus!

And... my favourite news... my  Ring Bearer Bowls (TM) arrived on Friday! It was probably the most exciting week so far in the wedding planning process. I actually got 2 because instead of having a flower girl, Jeremy and I are having 2 ring bearers that are like my little brothers. One will be holding the bowl pictured below and the other will be holding one that says, "I THEE WED" and then our names and wedding date are below. These are going to be heirlooms for our future generations and I am so excited to have them on display afterwards in our home.

Well, we still have lots to do like bridesmaid dresses, invitations, suits/tuxes, shoes, gifts, hotel block-offs, decoration ideas, and more... better get on it soon.


Good night!

Rachelle

The Ball is Rolling Slightly Faster

So we are getting things moving. Jeremy and I met with Pastor Mark on Thursday and had a great first meeting. We talked about our Christian Life, about the logistics of the wedding ceremony, "tutoring" sessions (he doesn't like to call it counseling), etc. It was really good and I think both of us felt really comfortable.

He is also going to be having some post-wedding classes or follow-up classes after the wedding. I think this is a great idea. For example, you wouldn't prepare someone with all the knowledge about how to become a new believer and to make that first step and then just say, "Okay, you're on your own." No! You'd prepare them and you'd (hopefully) follow up with them and encourage them and guide them in their walk with the Lord. In the same way, Pastor Mark is going to be there for us after the wedding to ask questions, confide in, etc. I believe that it will be very beneficial for us. He hasn't done this before so we're going to be his "test couple".

Well, this week my mom is coming to Medicine Hat so we are going to meet with the caterer along with Jeremy and his mom. We also have to do the whole hotel block-off thing so it'll be good to have Mom there for that as well.

Looking forward to what's to come...
Rachelle

1/2 Anniversary

So I figured out that our 1/2 anniversary will be on Valentine's Day. How exciting. Hopefully Jeremy will never forget our anniversary.

Tomorrow it will be 6 months to go until our big day. Crazy how time is going by. Have a great Valentine's Day everyone.

Rachelle

Meetings and the knot

We have a meeting in a few weeks with the Pastor who is marrying us and we still have to make plans to meet with our Catering Manager. I've also been reading that I have to meet with a florist but I'm not sure how that's all working just yet.

We'll see about all that. I feel like I'm at a bit of a stand-still with wedding plans right now. I think that I can't get a good idea for decor or plans unless I know the schedule, table layout, church decorations, and all that goes with that. I think my next focus is going to be getting bridesmaid dresses. I have an idea of what I want... it's just finding them.

I have been researching one particular site that has been a help: http://www.theknot.com From that site, I can build a budget, they have a checklist which has been helpful because it mentions some things that I didn't think of, they have a guest list manager which I haven't tried yet but once we get our list a little more concrete, I'll try it out.

Well, it's bed time for me now. Feel free to comment :)
Rachelle

Wedding Plans... So Far

Well, not too much has happened since the last time I wrote. We met with our photographers and made a deposit and all that. They are super nice people. Turns out that they met at the same Bible School I went to (Capernwray Harbour Bible Centre) and we have some mutual friends. The world continues to get smaller and smaller the more people I get to know.

Sometime soon we have to meet with the Catering Manager at Chinook Village about the meal and times as well as the Pastor who will be marrying us to discuss all the details regarding the rehearsal, ceremony, premarital counseling, etc. Jeremy's preoccupied with school at the moment so I don't want to bother him with too many things. He has to keep his focus on his classes for now.

Until next time,
Rachelle

I'm Back!

Sorry, I would have been updating but my computer had a virus so I couldn't. I'll be updating more now :) Stay tuned!

Music and Photos

Within the last week we have asked a couple of our friends to be our musicians and they are really excited about it. We are excited too. I asked one of my cousins to play piano and sing. Jeremy asked one of his friends to sing with him. They will be great. They're both really great singers!

I have also booked our photographer. Before we were even engaged, Jeremy mentioned that he really liked the photos that this couple took at another wedding we were at. The thing he most loved is that they were not posed pictures. Jeremy's not a fan of standing still and smiling. This is perfect because these photographers "do not believe in posing for pictures" so when we saw that, it was just the perfect fit. We are going to go meet them hopefully this weekend to work out details.

This makes some things seem a lot more real which is good... even though the wedding is still 7 months away.

I'll update more soon!
Rachelle

Initial Wedding Guest Count

So... pre-pruning (if necessary)... My guest list count is 266! Our limit for the reception hall is 220 and that's technically past the "comfortable maximum." I think that that's pretty good considering that I'm 99% sure that at least 50 of the people I'd like to invite will not be able to make it. I honestly thought I was going to be over by much more.

Now comes the task of "pruning" a bit and renumbering because of babies and other small children that will be in high chairs or that might not come.

Wish us luck!

Rachelle

Reception Hall Update

So I picked up the catering booklet today for Chinook Village. I'm getting excited about planning the reception. It's going to be a lot of fun. I think once my mom gets back from Arizona, we'll have to go meet with the Catering Manager. She's been through it once before so we'll get to experience that together.

The hall is very nice. My sister got married there and it just seemed like the place to have the reception. I'll write more soon!

Rachelle

We Found THE Dress!

**I'll post pictures after the wedding just in case Jeremy checks the blog out**
The greatest thing is that my mom picked it out!

We got to Angela's Weddings 'N' Things around 12:30 pm and I immediately started getting dresses pulled and was going through the racks. The lady who helped us was amazing. She also said that because they are having a bridal sale on Sunday here in Medicine Hat at the Lodge, most of the dresses would most likely not make it back to Brooks. For that, I am so glad we went yesterday!

I got behind the curtain and tried on Dress #1... it was an off-the-shoulder dress which was nice but it didn't fit me right.

   

Dress #2 was a strong maybe! It was really beautiful and fit perfectly but I didn't like the front look. It had a nice material and gathering but then the bottom just had tulle showing. It was like the dress wasn't finished. I didn't like the tulle look. Also, it was tight from top to under my bottom and I knew Jeremy didn't like that.

   

Dress #3 (and every one after that) was compared to the second dress. It was a no for sure. It wasn't flattering on me. The thing I did love about it was a deep V back. It looked really good and my sister and mom like it as well. It just wasn't enough of a selling point to get that one.

   

Dress #4 was really pretty and similar to the second dress but it had a heart neckline which did not look good on me at all. The back of this one was very pretty. I liked the back but that was about all.

   

Dress #5 was a no right from the start. There wasn't anything really bad about it except the back had a pleated skirt which I wasn't crazy about. I just didn't feel right in it. It also wasn't flattering for my body shape either (I don't think).

   

Dress #6 was the other definite maybe. My mom picked it out of the window and she even told the lady not to bother getting it off the mannequin but we're all glad she did because it's the one we ended up getting. It is beautiful. It fit perfectly. I don't have to get any alterations at all. As soon as the lady opened the curtain, I was smiling, and then both my mom and Cassie said, "Yes, that's perfect." My mom said, "You were made for that dress." I corrected her and said, "No, the dress was made for me!" It really was great and I'm so happy about the purchase.

   

I did try on Dress #7 but it wasn't good. It had beading on the top of it which was a definite no in my mind and it didn't suit me. We didn't even take a picture of that one because we just knew that our search was over.

I tried on Dress #2 and Dress #6 again and we all picked #6. Now my mom gets to brag that she picked out my wedding dress. We got to take it home right away and now it's just waiting until I get to wear it on our wedding day! I can't wait.

Oh, I forgot to mention that it's not a white dress. It's ivory. Actually it looks a lot better than white did on me. Because my skin is so light, the ivory makes me look a bit darker. I wanted white but I'm very happy with this ivory dress.

I feel so blessed to have not only found a dress, but that my sister and my mom could share in that experience with me. It's something that I will never forget! Thanks Mom and Cas!

Rachelle

Dress Shopping and Saving Money!!

I'm going wedding dress shopping with my mom and sister tomorrow. I'm really excited that I may find the dress I'm going to wear on my wedding day... but I'm afraid that if I find that dress that I will change my mind eventually before the wedding... It's 218 more days until the wedding and a lot could happen in that time. Who knows?! Let's pray that I either find the dress and I don't change my mind... or that I find the dress later on and it's a good price... either way, I'll be happy with that!!

I have some great news too! I am saving money left, right and center which is awesome!

(1) I bought some rolls of postage stamps before the price goes up on January 11th. These are the Prepaid ones so they'll be good for the coming year!
(2) We got the church rental fee waved because I attend the church. We'll still have to pay the janitorial and sound man fee and whatever the pastor is going to cost but, hey, every little bit helps!!
(3) I checked back with the Chinook Village Terrace Room today (where the reception will be) and because I booked before the new year, they are going to give us last year's rates which I'm excited about. I'm not even sure how much the price is going up but, again, every little bit helps!

I'm looking forward to saving more! Let's just hope my dress isn't expensive!

Rachelle

Wedding Date

Today I was able to finalize our wedding date. I had arranged the hall before Christmas (I booked every Saturday in August). I finally chatted with the pastor at my church and we decided on August 14, 2010. This date happens to be perfect because Jeremy's brother leaves for school on the 15th and the Saturdays before that don't work because of family reunions, school reunions, family not being able to make it, etc. My mind is a lot more at ease now that we have a date, a church and a hall.

Rachelle

Our Engagement Weekend

Friday, December 18, 2009
I bought Jeremy hockey tickets for Christmas and had given them to him in the middle of November(ish). He had had a bad day at work so I gave him the tickets as a Merry Christmas / Happy Birthday / Happy Anniversary / Hope-You-Have-a-Better-Day-Tomorrow gift. The tickets were for December 19th for an Edmonton Oiler / Washington Capitals game. Those two teams are his favourite and I was really excited to give them to him.

So we planned to go up to Calgary on the Friday before the game, stay at a family friend's house, and then head to Edmonton on Saturday for the game and after the game, stay at a cousin's house before heading back to Medicine Hat on Sunday.

I had to work on Friday morning so Jeremy let me know via BBM when he was leaving to come get me so that I could quickly make it to my parent's house to change and shower and get ready for the weekend.

We left Tilley later than planned but made our way to Calgary. Jeremy was pretty quiet the whole way and I was tired so we didn't say much which wasn't unusual for us.

I told Jeremy to make a CD for our trip so he made a compilation of about 14 songs and brought it with him. We listened to Ke$ha's "Tik Tok", Something Corporate's "Konstantine", and - among others - Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling." (Jeremy later told me that through that whole song, he only sang one line: "Tonight's gonna be a good night")

We got to the city and really had no plans. Jeremy had mentioned that he wanted to go to this department store downtown to check it out. I didn't really have anything planned so I just kind of followed. We got downtown and we ended up getting closer and closer to the  Calgary Tower. I didn't know what our final destination was so I just sat in the passenger seat waiting to see where we'd end up. Jeremy parked in the parkade attached to the Calgary Tower and he basically said, "Well, we're here, we might as well go up. You want to?"

I said, "Sure, I haven't been here since I was like 5 or something. It's been a long time!"

We got into the elevator on the left and shot up to the top (it felt like we were going really fast). We got out on to the top and immediately walked right to the glass-bottom floor. After trying to get used to it for a few minutes, I finally stood on it and looked down. It's a little weird looking down through the floor at the ground that is 525 feet above the ground.

Anyway, we walked around the top. We were the only people there so it was nice and quiet. We checked out more of downtown, Canada Olympic Park, the Pengrowth Saddledome, Chinook Centre, and more. It was great being able to see the city in a way that not many get to experience or even think about.

Jeremy saw this as the perfect opportunity... we were on the opposite side of the tower than the glass floor - near the Saddledome. He began to get down on one knee. I was still gazing out the window in wonder and then... the elevator door opens up and out come a group of screaming Asian girls gasping and giggling about the glass floor beneath them.

The moment had gone. Jeremy quickly shifted his weight into a nearby chair and hoped that I hadn't noticed because if I did, it would have "looked really weird."

I was oblivious but was having a good time anyway. We walked around the top a few times and more and more people arrived at the top. There wasn't another time where it was just the two of us on the top of the tower so as soon as Jeremy saw that there was no one waiting for the elevator to go down, he suggested that we go down and out to supper.

We got into the right elevator and I started to take a picture of the sign that was on the back wall. Jeremy looked at me and asked, "Rachelle, you know I love you right?"

"Yeeaaahh," I managed to spread out. My heart was literally racing. At this point, I thought one of two things: either he was going to jump up and down in the elevator which would have freaked me out... or that he was going to propose!

Then as he looked away, he just said, "Okay, good."

There was a long pause.

I thought, 'Okay, he's not going to jump... or propose.'

Then he pulled out a red, wooden box and said, "You wanna get married?"

Not even seeing the ring, I nodded fast and managed to say, "Uh-huh!" in between gasping for air. I had a hard time actually getting it out! (That could have been from the proposal or from the fast-moving elevator, I'm not sure which - could have been both.) When I opened the ring box, I saw the perfect diamond engagement ring. We had actually picked it out together but he later told me that he didn't buy it. The whole experience was a huge surprise to me. I wasn't expecting a proposal that weekend at all! We laughed and hugged and then we walked out of the elevator as an engaged couple.

We started texting and calling all of our family and friends that we could think of. I had told Jeremy on the way to Calgary that my phone was going to die and he thought it was hilarious because he knew I'd be on it a lot later that night.

We went out for supper at Joey Tomato's and had a very filling supper and then headed to Jeremy's mom's friend's house. We arrived and chatted with her for a while before finally trying to fall asleep.

It was a full but amazing day!


Saturday, December 19, 2009
We woke up the next morning and we had breakfast, packed up our things and made our way to Edmonton. We were dropping off some things at West Edmonton Mall for another friend so we decided to go there first, shop around a bit, and then meet my cousins for supper before heading to the game. We were fortunate that the roads weren't too bad (there were some bad weather patches but for the most part, it was good). We were also lucky to have met the friend just outside the door to the mall. We had gotten there at the same time so instead of hauling things throughout the mall and her having to take them back to her car, we were able to exchange right at the vehicles and go into the mall empty-handed.

We shopped around for a bit but neither of us are big "shoppers" so we mostly wandered around. We checked out Galaxyland, the Roller Coasters (picture) the Sea Lion Show (from the bridge), the Water Park (from the window), Mini-Golf and, of course, the "Ice Palace" Skating Rink. There were so many people... almost too many people. That can make things frustrating.

We had been in contact with my cousins and had decided to meet at Chili's for supper. It turned out that my cousins were going to the same game so we were able to eat and travel to Rexall Place for the game together. They told us all about the benefits of having "Club Seats" and the perks that came with them. We were able to go down and watch the Oilers go out for warm up, we got a picture in front of the Oilers' dressing room door, we had our own consessions and lounge areas, etc. It was such a different and amazing experience and I'm so glad that we were able to do that together.

We watched the game and, unfortuantely, the Oilers lost to the Capitals but Jeremy was able to see his favourite player (Mike Green, Washing Capitals #52) play. I was so glad that I could see him that happy. It was just so good to share that with him.

We took a picture after the game of us in front of the rink. This is where our seats were. They were so good.

We also got the security guard to take a picture of us in front of the Oilers' dressing room door. It was the end to an incredible night!

After the game, we travelled back to my cousin's house, chatted with them for a while and then finally got to bed.


Sunday, December 20, 2009

I slept in in the morning a bit and we all had these cinnamon bites for breakfast (I'm going to have to get that recipe!!) We talked some more before they left for church and we left for Medicine Hat.

The roads weren't as good as they were on the way up but Jeremy is a great driver so we made it without any troubles.

We stopped in Tilley at my parents' house and talked with them a bit also before leaving to go home. They were really excited for us and we're so blessed to have the support of our families!

Rachelle