... diary ...

29 Nov:
Finally updating as to what happened in the "final days" leading up to the wedding. I dedicate this update to Marco. *lol*

There will also be links to photos from guests cameras who have sent us CDs - these you will find on the "Photography" page, once I get them set up. Photos from the table cameras will be forthcoming as well. Thank you to those people who have given us the photos from our day! :) And apologies to those who were "caught in the act" of doing things silly, etc as those are going to be on the internet for all the world to see. You didn't really expect us to keep those to ourselves, did you?! :)

Hi Marco!

PS: I have recorded the details to the best of my memory. Some of the days may be a bit off, as some things I did write down, and some details I did not.
-=[Crystal]=-
20 Oct:
The Big Day is finally here, it's almost surreal after all the preparation and planning. We load up my stuff into the car and go over to Peter's parents for a "pre-wedding" brunch. It's very nice and fun. Peter and I are both very excited.

After brunch, Matt, Helen, Peter and I drive to the Miramar. Peter goes back to the house with Matt (in Matt's car) and Helen helps me to unload our car. She and I settle into the Bridal Suite to get ready for the ceremony.

Kerry arrives to do our hair, and shortly after Deb, one of our photographers, arrives as well, after dropping Paul, the other photographer (her husband) off at the house with Peter and Matt. The front desk calls up to the room to say the flowers have arrived, but as I am getting my hair done, I send Helen down to check it out. After a bit, she arrives back to the room with a report... and our head-pieces... Needless to say, I am less than pleased with the headpieces. Helen's was just wrong, mine was just ... well, there was no way I was going to wear it the way it was. We sort of talk about it for awhile, and Kerry, the genius that she is, suggests that we could take Helen's apart and clip the flowers into her hair - so we do just that. I decide that we are going to do the same with mine - and it turned out that this "problem" was one of the best things that happened because this is really what I wanted in the first place - the flowers *in* my hair!

I go down to check the rest of the flowers - and Oh My God, they have forgotten the corsage for Peter's mum! Obviously I have to callt hem and get them to set it right, but not before I call Peter first to give him an update as to what's happened. Surprisingly, I am not *that* upset, just a little angry more than anything that such an important detail was missing. But in retrospect, I am sure it was a miscommunication when I changed my order six weeks before the wedding to no include the flowers for my own parents as they would not be attending the wedding. I called the florist and the situation was immediately rectified.

After this, I mostly stay up in the room, as I don't want to accidentally run into Peter once he arrives. Kara arrives soon after and she helps me to get ready. The whole time I am super hyper and excited and just wanting to get out of there to see what is going on downstairs.

Right before I was due to go downstairs, the Registrar arrives to go over the ceremony details - and suddenly photography is ok. Peter thinks that Paul must have somehow charmed her (he's got that sort of personality hehe) and she really warmed up to him, so she told Deb and Paul to take whatever photos they wanted, whenever they wanted.

Everybody kept asking if I was nervous - and the answer is No. I was excited and happy and doing what I was meant to do. I was going to spend the rest of my life with my best friend and soulmate. I remember entering the room and seeing him standing there waiting for me and the feeling that washed over me can not be put into words. I just knew that my dream was coming true - only I was wide awake and really living it.

We had so much fun on this day - the ceremony, photo-session/cocktails, reception - everything was so wonderful and perfect. We are really sad it's all over now. LOL We are so glad that so many of you could share in it with us, and those of you that couldn't - you were in our thoughts.
-=[Crystal]=-
19 Oct:
Day before the wedding, we go out to pick up our attire in Bournemouth. Peter has hired from Moss Bros, and we drive to their shop, however, it's all boarded up and obviously CLOSED for remodeling as we drive past!!! You want to talk about sickening, heart-wrenching panic! I notice a small sign beneath the "Undergoing Renovations" sign that says they are temp. relocated in one of the hotels up the road... but Oh My God. We go to the hotel and Peter picks up the suits for him and Matt without incident.

Next, we are off to Mojgan's, my dress designer, and I had this thought that maybe there was a fire or something (I had been having dreams/nightmares that somethign was wrong with my dress lol). But I get to the shop and get my dress and accessories without mishap. I was just sad that Mojgan herself was not there so I could tell her thank you. (She was in London, apparently.)

Later in the day, we start bringing things over to the hotel - ie: the wine, stuff for tables, centerpieces. The guys at the Miramar are just sooo wonderful. I hope David is proud to have Theo and Adam and the other staffmembers who were involved in our circus. :)
-=[Crystal]=-
18 Oct:
Get my nails done - the lady that does them is super nice and comes to the house to do them... however, next time, I am going to a salon, as I don't think she did a proper job. They only have to last for 2 days.

In the afternoon, we go to see our cake, and wow! They have done an excellent job and it's beautiful.
-=[Crystal]=-
17 Oct:
We are making CDs for "wedding favors" for our guests with songs that we like. Peter purchased "printable CDs" as his printer will print on CDs. We find out later that they aren't printable and the ink never dries on them. It's too late to redo them, so we give them out anyway, but we are disappointed.

New ring arrives... and a half hour later, I open the cupboard in the bedroom to find, MY ORIGINAL RING! I had to do a doubletake, but there it was, where I had put it when I took it off to put lotion on my hands! LOL Good thing the jeweler has a good return policy and we can get our money back on the new one! But how relieved and happy am I?
-=[Crystal]=-
16 Oct:
Still working on things like table place cards and Order of the Day scrolls. Helen ends up helping with the tying - she's great at rolling and holding!

Peter orders new ring from jeweler. Should arrive tomorrow.
-=[Crystal]=-
15 Oct:
We went into Bournemouth today, and after shopping, we were in the car (due to go somewhere else, I think his Aunty Ann's house), when I notice - no ring on my finger! I had lost my engagement ring, 5 days before the wedding!!! Needless to say, I was more than a little upset and distraught. We go home to look for it, but it's not anywhere. Talk about top ten things that can go wrong before a wedding. :P
-=[Crystal]=-
13 Oct:
Friday the 13th and we have an appt. to talk to the Registrar who will be conducting the ceremony. We end up naming her "Dragon Lady" as she is very strict and such. We go over the details for the ceremony, and things are going well for the most part, until it's time to talk about the photography... We had gotten this notice in the mail about the strict rules and guidelines for the photography (no photos during the ceremony and such). She was explaining this to us... and Peter says I "bit her head off" because I just was not happy with these rules and told her so. I understand the reasoning for the rules (photographers being disruptive); however, we have hired professional photographers who, we are confident, know about "wedding ceremony etiquette" and how to be unobtrusive. We want our wedding documented, that's what we are paying them for! She gets a bit defensive and such herself, and says something about how if the cameras are *completely* silent, she might allow it, etc. But that if it's distracting at all, then she will have to stop the ceremony, etc. *rolls eyes*
-=[Crystal]=-
12 Oct:
Meet w/ Theo @ the Miramar to go over some final details.
-=[Crystal]=-
7 Oct:
Go and see the sugar flowers for our cake - as soon as I see them, I was blown away. The color of them is absolutely spot-on, amazing!
-=[Crystal]=-
6 Oct:
We Move into our own place (renting) in Canford Magna. Won't have internets for a few weeks.
-=[Crystal]=-
1 Oct:
Met briefly with Peter Poole, our DJ for the reception. Peter and I have chosen "Do You Dream of Me" by Michael W. Smith for our first dance. Everything else, we just told him to make it a nice mix. But I *must* remember to tell him that I don't want ANY BeeGees played at the wedding reception. Ugh. Please don't let me forget. ;)
-=[Crystal]=-
26 Sept:
Today my friend Kara came down to visit. She just got a nail kit for her birthday, so I was her guinea pig! Was interesting learning experience. :) Then after that, we went to Bournemouth to meet with Mojgan, the dress designer, so that Kara could learn how to 'dress' me for the day. :) My dress is so beautiful! After we did that, we went shopping for panties *G*, and then killed a bit of time at Border's waiting for Peter to get off work so we could meet him for dinner. But I just wanted to say thanks to Kara for coming down and spending the day!
-=[Crystal]=-
24 Sept:
Met with our photographers, Paul and Deb, today, at the Miramar. They are such awesome people and I'm glad that we chose them! They told us they had changed things a bit on the packages they offered, and we are saving a bit of money now. :)
-=[Crystal]=-
16 Sept:
So, today the lady at the candle shop called, and she was very apologetic, because she wasn't happy with the dipping job of the candles. We told her that we'd come down to have a look. We went down to the candle shop, and admittedly whoever did the dipping did a craptastic job, but she gave us 50% off the lot of them, and for that price, they really aren't that bad, especially once everything is put together in the dish and such. They will be fine. :)
-=[Crystal]=-
14 Sept:
Tonight Kerry came to do the trial on my hair, and omg, it turned out so nice! :) I can't wait for the day!
-=[Crystal]=-
12 Sept:
Had a meeting with David Bailey at the Miramar. He is such a delightful man! Anyway, just went over the menu, preliminary table set up and the like. I will be so sad after the wedding when we don't get to talk to him anymore. Might have to make special trips just to see him. *laughs*
-=[Crystal]=-
9 Sept:
Went to pick up some of the pieces for our centerpieces today. The candles are not quite ready yet, as they are still being dipped to be the right color. But we picked up the clear and blue glass blob thingies that will go into the dishes.

Kerry also called to let me know she would love to do my hair, so I need to start thinking about what I want done, as I don't really have any ideas. I just thought I'd wear it down, but I do want it to look nice too. Need to call her back and see when she wants to come to do a 'trial run' she said sometime this next week. :)

My dear friend, Kara, agreed to do the poetry reading at the ceremony. The poem was chosen by Peter's youngest sister, Helen. Kara also said that she would come down on the 26th of Sept, when I have my next appt. with Mojgan for my dress, and be taught how to 'dress me'. *giggle* So that will be fun to be able to hang out with her after she gets back into the country. :)

So I talked the florist the other day about cutting back the order - 6 weeks from the wedding you wouldn't think this would be that big of a deal, but come to find out the day we put in our deposit they ordered and paid for the flowers! They called their supplier and can't get any money back. What this means for us, I have really no idea, except that they obviously can't charge us for something they aren't going to make for us. I don't really understand why it's such a big deal with this much time to go, but we will see what happens. This is the only real 'glitch' we've run into so far.

And this doesn't really have much to do with the wedding, but Peter and I have put in papers on a place to live, in Canford Magna, right across the street from Helen's school. So that's exciting as well!
-=[Crystal]=-
4 Sept:
So today I have to call the florist and make some changes and adjustments to the order for our flowers. First of all, the friend that was originally going to be my maid-of-honor told me the other day she just could not see how it would be financially feasible for her to attend the wedding, which I completely agree with and understand. Living in Hawaii, it's sooo expensive to get off that rock and go anywhere, especially somewhere like England. So, instead of asking any body else, we will just save a bit of money, and I will take the extra bouquet and head piece off the order, and Helen will be the only one in the wedding. :) I want it to be a small, cozy event anyway, so it will be ok. Also, I've decided that I want my own bouquet to be reduced in size slightly - I think we figured it would contain 4 dozen roses in the original configuration, so I just want to reduce it by at least a dozen, because I think otherwise it will just be way too big for our little wedding. :)

We have also begun receiving RSVPs already!!! It's so exciting!!! :D
-=[Crystal]=-
3 Sept:
Finally got the design of the website in order. Poor Peter had to deal with my complaining that it just wasn't right, I want it do a certain thing, etc. I get so very upset and frustrated, because this is stuff I should be able to do myself, but because I've been so out of the loop as far as webpages, etc. I really don't know where to begin. So once again, my Knight in Shiny Armor comes to my rescue and manages to incorporate all my wants and desires into the design. One of the things about us is that we both tend to be a bit obsessive about such things, and everything needs to be perfect. What's nice about Peter, however, is his extreme willingness to make sure I get exactly what I want. He is so very amazing (he has to put up with me!) and I am so very lucky.
-=[Crystal]=-
2 Sept:
Originally, Peter's mother had offered to make our wedding cake, but since we want an orange flavored cake (as opposed to the traditional fruitcake that is popular for weddings in this country), we decided less stress all around to have one professionally done. (Peter's mother is also making Helen's dress as well, so it will be nice for her not to have to worry about such things. :) ). So, we looked up a few bakeries online, and went to talk to one in town called "Speciality Cakes". They had a design we really liked, so we got it all sorted. :)
-=[Crystal]=-
1 Sept:
Most of the rest of the invitations went out today! Only a few more to mail and hand deliver now. :)
-=[Crystal]=-
31 Aug:
We are ahead of schedule and half of our invitations are going out today! Peter was instrumental in helping me with the invites, and I'm so very grateful for his enthusiasm and willingness to jump right in (actually, I think he rather enjoys it!)
-=[Crystal]=-
26 Aug:
Today we went and picked up our wedding bands from the jeweler! See photos of them on the Rings page :)
-=[Crystal]=-
22 Aug:
Today I had my first "real" dress fitting, and when I saw my dress, I cried. And I didn't want to take it off after having it on - I felt *so* blah after putting my jeans back on! But the designer loves the design so much that she said that she wants to make another one for her collection!! :)
-=[Crystal]=-
13 Aug:
Went today with Peter's mum and sister to look at patterns and fabrics for Helen's dress. We decided on a "ren/medieval/celtic" type of style, to compliment the style of my dress. We chose a most goregous dark blue, slightly irridescent taffeta for the main part of the dress, and a white brocade for the front bodice panel. I think it will be absolutely gorgeous!
-=[Crystal]=-
12 Aug:
Today we had to drive to Southampton to visit the "Registrar" to give notice of our wedding. Since I am not a British citizen, we had to go all that way first, though the local Bournemouth registrar will be conducting our ceremony. The meeting was a bit strange, as she interviewed us and such. And they want to know things like what our father's do for a living. I think she said it has something to do with the old laws, but still so weird. :)

Today we also went to Goldsmith's and ordered our wedding bands - they should be ready in a couple of weeks!
-=[Crystal]=-
26 July:
The hotel suggested a DJ we could use for our reception, so we called and booked him tonight.
-=[Crystal]=-
25 July:
Today was an exciting day, as I had my 'calico' fitting for my dress with the dress designer! They had a basic 'smock' looking thing with long drapey sleeves cut already. I put this on, and then she started to trim and pin and I could really see the dress taking shape. Was soo cool! Have my first 'fitting' on the 22 of August, at which time I have to sort out which shoes I'm going to wear! Eeek! I've been looking around a bit, and can't really find anything. I don't want anything with too much heel, because I want to be comfortable and not make a fool of myself when I trip and fall :P But I do want something pretty and nice. Right now the contender is a shoe in the same style that Helen has in pink - it would be the dark blue satin with beading design on it. Would do, but I'm still looking for a white alternative.

Met with our third choice of photographer this evening. Very nice gentleman with absolutely stunning photographs. But when we saw his prices, that decided it for us. He is just as, if not more, expensive than our first choice, and we would get very little for our money. Shame really, because his work is really stunning, and he is a very talented photographer.
-=[Crystal]=-
23 July:
Katy suggested today that I ask her friend who is a hairdresser to do my hair for the wedding. Since she is getting an invitation to the wedding anyway, this would actually work out quite nice if she was willing to do it. I don't really want anything complicated, as I want to wear my hair down. so we will see what she says. :)
-=[Crystal]=-
21 July:
Confirmed with the florist today that the detailed itemized list she provided would in fact be wonderful, and that we would like them to be our florist. I have no doubt that the flowers will be beautiful! Can't go wrong with roses. :)
-=[Crystal]=-
18 July:
Met with the second photographer on our list this evening and decided that we did not care for him; first off, he would not be the one taking our photos, but one of his associates, and it states clearly on his website that you should meet with the person who is going to be doing your photos. How can we make a decision if we haven't met him? Secondly, we were not that impressed with the work of that photographer. Third, he was more interested in talking about his business than showing us pictures. In fact, he didn't bring much at all to show us. The price is not that much less expensive than our first choice, and with our first choice we get two photographers and a beautiful album as well.
-=[Crystal]=-
16 July:
Found a shop that sells the blue candles that we want for our centerpieces - was getting a bit worried we might not find them.
-=[Crystal]=-
13 July:
Made another appt. with another photographer today for next Tuesday, and sent out an email to a 4th one as well. Hopefully we will have made our decision by this time next week; Meet with our ‘first choice’ for photographers tonight, and really really liked them. Will probably cancel the appt for Friday evening because I’m really just not too keen on the person we are supposed to meet tonight in the first place, and I'm not really sure why. Will meet with two others, one next Tuesday, and another one if they email us back soon and then make our decision.
-=[Crystal]=-
11 July:
Looking for a photographer today; have an appt on Thursday for our first choice – they are coming to the house to meet us; appt on Friday for a secondary place – meet him at his studio; had our meeting with David at Miramar to go over our menu; he is such a nice guy and just puts at ease, we really like him and feel like we really have chosen the perfect place for our wedding
-=[Crystal]=-
10 July:
Sharmin from Craft Daft called this morning to let me know the stamp was ordered and should be in midweek; she will ring back to let me know for sure! *dance* ; made an appt. to see the florist for this Saturday, and another appt with David Bailey at the Miramar for tomorrow evening
-=[Crystal]=-
9 July:
Went to a few places today to see if we could find the pieces we would need for the table centrepieces; we found most things we would need but are still trying to locate *dark blue* pillar type candles – have a couple more places to look; if we can find them, we will be able to do our centrepieces very inexpensively. Still trying to locate a suitable photographer; the one we both liked hasn’t returned my email L But, everything else is falling into place, so I’m sure this will too.
-=[Crystal]=-
8 July:
Went to visit a few florists today; think we found one we liked, Aunt Rosie’s Flowers; found a couple we didn’t like so much as well – wouldn’t you expect a business to cater to their customers needs, not the customer catering to the business? Anyway, Aunt Rosie’s impressed us; card shop across the way from the florist – my new favourite store – went in to see what they carried; very nice established shop with plenty of nice things to look at; the ladies gave me a few catalogs to look through for the stamp I want/need for the invitations; couldn’t find anything, until one of the ladies found “the” one; she said she would check on Monday if she could order it for me and let me know; her name ended up being Sharmin – so odd to find someone with the same name as my sister. Very nice shop, nice staff, love the shop. J Came up with a couple of ideas for table centrepieces.
-=[Crystal]=-
5 July:
Over the past few days have been purchasing/gathering the necessary supplies and tools I will need to make our wedding stationary; it’s been a bit of a pain, really, as some companies don’t reply back in a timely fashion (or in some cases, at all!); since my main shipment of personal goods won’t be here in time for me to begin working on this stuff, I’ve had to buy some tools ‘over again’ *sighs*; one of my PC boxes arrived yesterday (the one with the monitor), but the CPU is still in transit, but as soon as it arrives and we get it set up, I can begin proper work on this website.
-=[Crystal]=-
1 July:
Met with Mojgan about my dress; we go over the design details, choosing fabric and embellishments, and she takes my measurements; she is very excited about creating my dress and assures us that she plans on spoiling me; I am confident that this dress will not only be unique, but simply gorgeous, and I am very excited to finally see (and wear) the completed dress! I’ve never even dreamed of ever doing something like this before, so it’s very different type of experience for me, but so much fun! I feel like a princess already.
-=[Crystal]=-
30 June:
Met with David Bailey at the Miramar; David is very calm and relaxed - which we find very reassuring from a manager of a hotel - but very enthusiastic about doing weddings; we are very comfortable and confident and leave the meeting feeling that we chose the perfect venue to host our perfect day; David is all about stressing how it is *our* day, and that we do what *we* want, and not worry about what other people will like or think – I really like that.
-=[Crystal]=-
28 June:
Called Southampton registrar today and have booked an appointment for us to go up and meet with them; need to book the venue and local registrar before we go to see them though, but that should be taken care of this week
-=[Peter]=-
27 June:
Phoned Theo at the Miramar, booked an appointment to talk to David Bailey for Friday Evening at 7pm to go over things in more detail; ribbon arrives this morning!
-=[Crystal]=-
Work on this website officially begins
-=[Peter]=-
26 June:
Begin to look for suppliers for invitation materials – the main supplier I would normally use is Marco’s Paper (link), but not sure they will ship to me in the UK; put together a ‘prototype’ of the design made out of regular paper; am really excited about seeing the finished product!; order silver organza ribbon from ebay
-=[Crystal]=-
25 June:
PeterAndCrystal.co.uk registered
-=[Peter]=-
24 June:
Went into Bournemouth to look for wedding attire; looked in Bridal shops, but *nothing* catches my eye or is anywhere near what I am looking for; went into Moss Bros. to get idea for Peter’s attire – I think he should go for a long tail coat; one bridal shop employee recommends an independent designer in the area so we go to visit her; Mojgan (link) is absolutely fabulous- very enthusiastic and full of ideas, and sketches my dress on the spot with the very few details I am able to give her; we decide to have my dress made by her; possible to get her to do Pete’s waistcoat as well
-=[Crystal]=-
23 June:
Looked at possible wedding venues in Bournemouth; turns out having a wedding/reception in Bournemouth will probably cost as half as much as it would at the Purbeck; after the first hotel, we sit in the car and decide exactly what we want to do for the order of events; apparently here in the UK, it is traditional to have a ‘wedding breakfast’ right after the ceremony which is a small sit down meal for your closest friends and family, then you have an ‘evening reception’ to which you invite everyone; we thought this idea seemed rather silly, as our guest list is not that large, so decide that we want a late afternoon ceremony with a dinner dance reception to follow afterwards; ended up really liking Hotel Miramar (link) (and we looked at probably 6 to 8 hotels, some of which did not impress us at all; some at first glance on the drive up, we decided not to even look inside and went back out again); Miramar’s room for the actual ceremony is absolutely stunning with a line of French windows at the far end overlooking their garden; I could so picture walking into that room, dressed in my gown, friends and family there, with Peter waiting for me at the end of the room
-=[Crystal]=-
22 June:
Begin to look at possible wedding venues; as our original idea was to get married at Corfe Castle (link), but that wasn’t possible (not a licensed venue), we thought about using the church in Corfe; visited the church and liked it well enough, then visit a hotel for the reception in Corfe, but did not like it at all; the Purbeck Hotel (link) was already our first choice as a reception venue – it’s a bit out of the way, in Swanage, and is absolutely breathtaking; we do love the hotel and grounds, but decide to look around Bournemouth tomorrow just to see what else is out there
-=[Crystal]=-