Monday 4th January...
We are up early and thought we'd go and see the baker about the Croquembouche before
heading up to Chapel Hill. Mel rang the bakery first to check that is was ok if we dropped
in. The man told us that they were only taking orders until the end of February because
they were closing for renovations and are not really sure when they are going to re-open.
The thing we couldn't understand is that a small business may be closed for more than 4
months...it seemed a little stange to us. We are so disappointed, especially Julie, but
hopefully we can find someone else.
After much discussion about what to do about the Croquembouche it was soon time to head
out to Chapel Hill.
We are *so* excited to be able to finally see Chapel Hill after reading the article in
Lesbian On The Loose (LOTL) and seeing the brochures.
To say Chapel Hill is breathtaking would be an understatement. It is more than we ever imagined it could be. It is the most magical and romantic place that we've ever seen. A place filled with love.
The Chapel itself is just gorgeous. The stain glass windows are stunning. Mel was going to decorate the Chapel with the tulle bows and toy penguins, but she has decided that The Chapel will look perfect with the fresh flowers and candles.
You look at the gardens and you would think that they just grew there, that there hasn't been hours and hours of hard work put into making them look so natural. After a short walk through the gardens we arrived at the reception room. From the deck you overlook the mountains...just stunning!!! We sat down with Theresa to work out the final decisions. Mel had her list of questions that she wanted to ask.
We decided that the wedding would be held at 2.00 p.m. to avoid getting fogged in and so that we would be able to see the sunset from the reception room. We had already decided what we wanted to serve for the wedding breakfast before we arrived so that was easy. Theresa made everything so easy...nothing is too much trouble.
Whilst there we looked at some photo's Shannon had taken of previous weddings. They are
stunning shots and we are so glad that we decided to go with her. Theresa speaks very
highly of her and of everyone else we have chosen to help make our day even more special.
We then went to see a couple of the cabins that are on the property. We couldn't look at
the lake lodge as there was a honeymoon couple in there. We jumped in the car to have a
peek at the property next door which Theresa had recently purchased and renovated. This
house sleeps 11 and is like everything else at Chapel Hill...stunning. Theresa has done a
wonderful job with the renovations. The verandah also overlooks the beautiful mountains
and is going to make a great place for the post wedding breakfast with our guests that are
staying overnight.
Once again armed with lists and pics of bouquets we headed for the florist who is just
down the road from Chapel Hill. We looked at the pics there and Mel started to change her
ideas...after slapping herself she just closed the albums and didn't look anymore.
We decided to add to the list a large floral display which is to be used in the reception
room. The florist hasn't really given us any idea about price as that will really depend
on what flowers will be available at that time.
We think that when you start planning your wedding you decide what things are the most
important to you both and where you want to spend most of your money.
Flowers and photos are the only two things that we haven't put a spending limit on. We
both love flowers and really want photos that truly capture the day we have planned.
As we leave the florist Julie makes comment how he didn't seem to have any problems dealing with a dyke wedding. That's when Mel let it out that she hadn't actually mentioned to him that it was a dyke wedding when she had spoken to him on the phone...*LOL*
Time for a quick lunch before we go to have our trial make-up done... More excitement.
We're guessing that some of you are now wondering why two dykes are going to be wearing
full make-up???
We both know the value of having the right make-up when getting professional photos taken.
There is nothing worse that getting your photos back and you look so washed out. If you
really want great photos really think about having your make-up professionally done even
if you have *never* worn any before in your life!!! Trust us on this one.
We arrived at Kim's house and were just melting...not the best day to have a full make-up
done. As luck would have it Kim's house has air-co!!! Like everyone else we've met so far
Kim is great about helping two dykes to look their best on their wedding day.
Julie heavily suggested that Mel go first...ugh!!! It took about an hour and Kim did an
amazing job. The way she highlights your natural features looks fantastic and there are no
bright red or pink lippies either!!!
Through general conversation with Kim she gave us the name of a woman who might be able to
help with the Croquembouche...*huge grin* Kim rang and left a message on her machine, so
know we have to wait and see.
We stopped on the way back to the motel to take some pics so as soon as they are developed
we'll get them on-line.
Tuesday 5th January...
We headed off to meet Shannon our photographer. Theresa said we'd like her and she was
right, we did. Shannon made us feel very relaxed and explained how she mainly takes candid
shots of the day.
We are doing the bulk of the formal photos before the ceremony, as we don't want our
family and friends waiting for an hour or so for us to join them at the reception. We also
want to look *fresh* for those intimate shots (don't panic Shannon!!!)...*grin*
We had some time before our next appointment so we went shopping...of course. We found this little shop were we bought a pride candle holder that we are going to use in the candle lighting part of the ceremony.
We were supposed to meet with our celebrant at 2.00 p.m. but we had *major* problems with the car and had to postpone until Thursday afternoon... :(
We rang Kim about the Croquembouche and the lady she knows will do one for us if we are
desperate. It's really long way for her to come and set it up but, she will do it for us.
We didn't get much time to talk about the Croquembouche problem
as Julie is rather sick... :( This holiday isn't going exactly to plan!!!
Thursday 7th January...
Finally we make it to Anne's house. After the last few days we didn't think we would ever
get here!!! Anne is a member of P-FLAG and has been doing ceremonies for a number of years.
She read through the ceremony that she had prepared.
After she finished we worked on the readings that we wanted and decided where we are going
to fit in the candle lighting ceremony. Anne finishes the ceremony with us being draped
with pride ribbon.
We had talked about doing the handfasting ritual, but as yet we can't find out much info
about it. If we do make this ritual part of the ceremony it may run a little long and we
all know what it's like to be stuck in a chapel for too long!!!
Saturday 16th January...
22 WEEKS TO GO......THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS!!!
Mel bought Julie a witchcraft magazine today and as luck would have it there is an article
about handfasting. We are now thinking about making the handfasting ceremony private. We
still have to find more info.
Saturday 30th January...
20 WEEKS TO GO!!!!!
THE INVITATIONS ARE DONE!!!!!
We started out working on the letter that is included with the invitations and ended up
writing the whole lot. Julie has done a beautiful job on the writing...they look great.
We included all the info about accommodation in the area and also included a brochure
about Chapel Hill. It is so easy to fill the envelope with all bits of info...try to keep
it to the absoulute essentials only.
So, here they sit in front of us, ready to be put in the post next week. We are sending out the invitations very early as June is the busy season in the mountains. Our guests that would like to stay in the area will need to book accommodation a.s.a.p.
Time is just flying past so very quickly and as the 19th of June is getting closer we are getting more excited everyday. Mel has this feeling of total calmness but, there is still 5 months to go...*giggle*
Saturday 6th February...
19 WEEKS TO GO!!!
We found this little book and collectable store the other week, we went back today and they
had the most beautiful crystal candle holders which are just perfect for using in the
candle lighting part of the ceremony.
We also found some vanilla scented tea light candles for the tables at the reception...
another find in the $ shops!!!
Tuesday 9th February...
We posted the invitations this afternoon!!! We are *soooo* excited.
We had thought about sending out "Save the Date" cards but, decided to same the time and
money and just sent the invitations.
With the invitations we included a letter explaining why we've sent them out early.
Friday 12th February...
We are starting to find out that family and friends have received the invitations... :)
Julie's sister,
Chris
, has booked one of the cottages at Chapel Hill for the family.
Mel's mother received a phone call from friends of her's, they just wanted to make sure the invitation was correct. Mel had assumed that they knew she was gay...ooops...Guess they know now...*giggle* The best part is that they are going to join us on the 19th!!!
We finally got in contact with our caterer, Sam, tonight and she had worked out a price
for the wedding breakfast.
Mel mentioned about the trouble with the Croquembouche and Sam offered to call the bakery
and arrange one for us, as they now have the dates of when the bakery will be closing.
They had a Croquembouche from the same bakery the other week-end and Sam said that it was
the best she has tasted...YUM!!!
Saturday 13th February...
It's Julie's birthday today. Happy Birthday My Bride-To-Be!!!
I just know your bithday present will go with your wedding day present. *huge grin*
Sunday 14th February...
We are at Twin Towns this morning after seeing Marie Wilson last night...*grin*...we are
doing a little shopping and found this really cute photo album that we are going to use
as a guest autograph book.
Resources/ Two Brides/ Photos/ Wedding Announcements
this page last updated 03/06/99
content and design © melbent 1999
