April Updates

I'm back! I realize that I've neglected this blog in recent weeks, but I've been a bit too preoccupied to focus all of my attention on wedding planning. In fact, we've made very little progress lately. Dates and locations and still TBA, but it's most likely going to happen in January 2012, somewhere near Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. We love it there, and you will too! As soon as we know more, I promise... you will too. For now, just anticipate a vacation next winter with us!

Last week I returned to Dubai after 17 fabulous days back home. I hear so much from now-married couples about how fun being engaged is, and while I won't deny that I love calling Ryan my fiance and talking about weddings, it's not as fun as it would be if we were actually in the same country more often. It was a much anticipated vacation and I loved every minute of togetherness! We went on road trips, dates, took hundreds of photos, and even tried on wedding bands... well, I did. Ryan is not sold on the idea of wearing a ring despite my many attempts to persuade him. If I can't convince him, nobody can. He's the only person that I know who compares to me in levels of stubbornness. I'm not done trying though. I think that he'd look good with a ring!

In more wedding news, seeing as how this is a wedding blog, we also attended an at home reception for our friends Jen and Alan, who were married in Mexico in January! Ryan was in attendance at the actual event, but sadly I was stuck in Dubai and missed out on all of the fun. Congratulations you two, can't wait to celebrate your anniversary around the same time that we say our own vows!

Oh, and did I mention that I tried on wedding dresses? How exciting!! My mom and I went to a small bridal shop in Red Deer where I played dress up, much to the delight of the employee at the store who kept bringing me dresses to try on just for fun. I tried on every imaginable style, and at the end of the day went back to one particular dress that I'd grown quite fond of. Once I tried it on with a veil, it all came together and I didn't want to take it off! I wandered the store in "my" dress, feeling pretty giddy as I realized that I'm actually going to be a bride. I don't think it had sunk in until that moment.

A few days later we went shopping again, this time with help from Ryan's mom and sister, and his cute little nephew Alex. After trying on several dresses that were beautiful but not "me", I found one that I really liked, perfect for our beach wedding. We headed over the mens section and chose an outfit for Ryan. Placed side by side, they looked great together. Had it not been for the steep price tag, I may have been sold right then and there.

I returned to Dubai with no dress, but 2 in mind that I absolutely loved. It wasn't a simple matter of choosing one or the other either, considering that they were both quite different. I turned to my friend Mona for help. A talented artist, she drew a sketch combining the aspects that I most loved with both dresses. It was perfect!

I'm hoping to use it to get something custom made some place in the world. I've sent a few emails inquiring and I'm waiting to hear back! Wish me luck!