A touch of red July 29, 2010

My friend Karen left a little treasure on my desk at work one day. This little fellow will indeed find a place to twinkle among my treasures as I walk down the aisle. Karen’s package was wrapped up with red yarn, and her card held this ancient Chinese saying that suits Alex & I perfectly:

An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break.

(There must be a little red thread between Karen and I, as well – we went to university together 10 years ago and have since shared cubicle non-walls (think Les Nesman) in three different jobs, and now her little ‘something blue’ will forever be part of our lives – as will our memories of her acting as MC for our wedding dinner.)

Jana’s Jewels July 23, 2010

One of the most interesting people I met through Alex’s MBA program is a gal named Jana. She’s a person who faces life head on, asks the critical questions, and doesn’t just accept the status quo. She’s also got a huge heart and is the first to step up when someone – person or animal – needs someone else to speak for them or lend a hand. I hope a little bit of her tenacity rubs off by carrying her brooches in my bouquet!

From the (geeky) heart July 22, 2010

Alex and I are quick to admit we’re a little bit geek. C’mon, we met at a camp for students with good grades where we chose to spend half of the summer before our senior year sitting in seminars and doing assignments! And yet, I think my little brother might give us a run for our money when it comes to earning the title ‘geek.’

I’m really proud of my brother for being more-than-a-little non-conformist, for living his life without apologizing for who he is. It also leads me to worry about him, but I also know he’s smart enough to know there’s an easier path in life – and it’s not the one for him.

I’m also really stoked he (along with his wonderful companion Kim) contributed a piece to my bouquet – and even more excited about how perfect a memento it is to symbolize the geeky streak we all love & share.

This pendant is made from a recycled mother board circuit, with a copper flower attached. They bought it from The Blue Kraken on Etsy.

Riverview Style July 21, 2010

One of the many reasons we decided to live near Moncton when we moved East was because of the immediate welcome we knew we’d get from a group of friends that go back to Alex’s childhood days. Among those people is Kristin – a gal with style and passion anyone would admire. She’s also a practical person; she chose these lovely flowers so that I could work a bit of consistency into my bouquet! They’re lovely pieces on their own, but together they do seem to shine a little brighter – kinda like people coming together in marriage. Thanks, Kristin, for all your help!

My Roots are Showing July 19, 2010

I’ve had the privilege to work with a lot of fantastic people over the years, cultivating friendships outside of the office with many. One of the people I feel most blessed to have been given the opportunity to get to know is Yvonne. There are so many qualities about Yvonne – her sense of style, her attention to detail, her work ethic, her generosity – that I look to as examples of how I’d like to be in my own life. Her choice of this lovely thistle brooch – “A thistle for a MacNeil; it just seems right to me!” – speaks to all of that and more. It’s a piece she received from a relative of her husband’s, Ralphie. Yvonne writes: “Ralphie was a lovely and generous woman. She would be very pleased to know her little pin was part of something so wonderful as your wedding bouquet!” I’m honoured to have her – and Yvonne – be part of my day in this way!

Flower of Scotland July 18, 2010

A few weeks ago, I posted about the wonderful memories I have of the love of family and friends I experienced in the home of Margie & Stanley Beaton in South West Mabou. Lo and behold, a parcel arrived in the mail the other day from the lovely couple!

The thistle is considered the Flower of Scotland; for some, its sharp thorns are seen as representing the ‘prickly determination’ of the Scots, while others see it as a symbol of nobility of character. Both interpretations are apt in my mind and are great symbols to have in my bridal bouquet.

Moran taing, Margie & Stanley!

The Cabin Crew

My Dad & stepmom are part of a group of friends & family commonly known to us as ‘The Cabin Crew.’ Most of these folks own property along the same stretch of the Bras d’Or Lakes, though some just come to hang out there. It’s a fabulous little piece of heaven on earth – because of the view and because of the people. Friends who are there to help each other out, support each other when needed, and just to enjoy life with. Here are a few of the treasures the girls from the cabin crew sent along for the bouquet: as Maureen put it, they’re pieces that don’t have a story yet. I’m happy to have them start their tale with me.

Past, Present & Future July 17, 2010

One of the few regrets I have in life is that I didn’t keep in better touch with some of the fabulous people who have passed through my life. So I’m always thankful when the internet – whether through Facebook, Twitter or projects like this – bring me back into touch with them, however briefly and remotely.

I was touched to receive a package in the mail from an old high school chum, Sarah. As thoughtful as ever, she shared a “small bit of bling” that found her at a flea market in Cape Breton. Sarah says the brooch, with its three little flowers, “immediately made me think ‘past, present, and future’.” I agree, there is no more fitting sentiment for our wedding day. Thank you, Sarah – and I hope we reunite in person one of these days!

Daydream Believer July 16, 2010

There are a few things I made a point of doing before I left Toronto – and I’m happy to say one of those was a long-overdue reunion with a great gal who went to camp with Alex & me all those years ago. Janna is from Newfoundland, one of our little group of five Shads who called Atlantic Canada home. She’s a peaceful soul who always brings a smile to my face; when we met for breakfast that day, it was like only 14 days had passed since we’d last seen each other, not 14 years. It’s a great memory, one I hope doesn’t take another 14 years to repeat!

Janna sent a lovely note with her offering for my bouquet; it tells the story so well, I’m going to share it with you. Here’s an abridged version of Janna’s tale:

Born and bred in Newfoundland, I’ve always been a keen beachcomber – head down, eyes sweeping ahead of my feet for any little treasure … When I moved to Toronto, I took my beachcombing ways to city streets and always managed to stumble on little forgotten treasures – wishing coins, lucky pennies, errant earrings, subway tokens, costume jewelery – odds and ends that remind me of my rambling adventures in the Big Smoke. Consider this a token of your time in Toronto, too!

Janna, your purple heart – with it’s hints of Toronto and Newfoundland – is a perfect reflection of your generous, adventuring nature & will take a special place in my bouquet!

Tosha’s Treasure July 15, 2010

I met Tosha while doing a freelance CBC piece on the wedding industry in the Maritimes. She was the person advertising locally as a wedding planner whose online presence gave me the best vibe – and she delivered! We got along so well chatting after our interview was over that I booked her to help with our big day – because with 250 guests for an outdoor wedding, big is definitely the right way to describe our day! She’s been a great help already, even though we’re technically paying her for day-of services. The other day she even popped by my office to drop off a brooch for the bouquet. This little blue flower stands for so much – new friends, new ideas and – maybe best of all – less stress!