wine, rings and kisses

Having been a bridesmaid twice, I quickly learned to appreciate being simply a guest and spectator at a wedding. You are able to take your time to fully take in all that's happening around you and just enjoy your time at the party. It also gives you time to perfect the arm pose that gives your arms a slimmer appearance (refer to photo below). Fall weddings also have an added advantage (aside from the colourful backdrop in all the photos) of having chilly weather that prevents makeup from melting off your face.

The actual wedding ceremony took place at the Cave Spring vineyard near Beamsville and the reception and dinner took place at Inn on the Twenty Restaurant which was conveniently located right beside the Cave Spring retail store (where we took part in a small wine tour). For dinner, I had chosen the stuffed hen which turned out to be the better choice since Nathan had a pretty rough time chewing through a very well done piece of steak. As for my drink, I had opted to go non-alcoholic and settled for a tasty shirley temple. Nathan noted that I started a shirley temple craze at the wedding (partly due to all the pregnant women present). Everyone kept coming up to me asking what I ordered and the next thing I know, every other person was holding the little pink drink in their hands. I'm sure the bartender hated me by the end of the night...

Food and drink aside, it was a very small and intimate wedding which is just the way I like it. Coming from a family where emotions are rarely expressed (either through words or actions), it took a little getting used to as my cousins took their turns saying their speeches. I'm pretty sure everyone teared up a little and felt the warm fuzzies by the end of the night.

all smiles 
♥

The last wedding of 2011 is officially over which means that I don't have to feel bad for eating all the Halloween chocolates by myself.

a chilly wedding with a side of sun

shoes need to rest too

October 1st, 2011 marked the official end of singleton life for one of the leading ladies in my life (better known as my brain twin, Karen). Because I was a part of the bridal party, I couldn't lug around a DSLR for picture taking so my point&shoot photos will have to suffice.

The day started off early with DIY hair and makeup which is always a riot in a room full of girls. I had a lot of fun playing with everyone's hair and figuring out the makeup bit for my face. I tried to go for a more natural look while the other girls opted for the smokey eyes. As for pictures, we lucked out in terms of weather with blue skies and a warm sun to bake under while we waited for our turn with the photographer. For the ceremony, I was just happy I didn't trip and fall on my face walking down the aisle. What surprised me the most was that I didn't cry! I think part of it was due to my strategy on focusing on my bouquet and not looking at Karen when she walked down the aisle with her parents.

After the ceremony we headed to the Pearl to set up for the reception and dinner and it was just fun times from there on! Lots of food and good company makes me a happy girl. I would've taken more photos, but I was too busy stuffing my face. On that note, I am happy to say that my one week diet is officially over! My total weight loss for the week was 2 pounds and that was just enough to squeeze my body into the bridesmaid's dress comfortably.

I can't wait to go out to a restaurant and order whatever I want off the menu. I have a feeling the 2 pounds that left will be coming home soon.

 frozen bridesmaids and a garbage can