A Year of Engagement

The Exchange District

The numerous wedding books that I have thumbed through since Juan popped the question say that the engagement period is a time to reflect and prepare for a lifetime together.  This means asking the tough questions about values, goals, expectations, and needs.  I have come to believe, however, that this time of reflection is a myth, a mirage in a very hot desert, a bit of folklore for the uninitiated.

Our year of engagement has been a whirlwind that started with champagne and celebration, quickly morphing to one of planning, invitations, research, decision-making, and a series of mega and mini-celebrations.  And we're not even at the main event yet!

Don't get me wrong.  I wouldn't change any of it for the world.  But my goodness!  There are so many things to do.  Though it could also just be us.  After Juan proposed we did move to Winnipeg.  We also started new jobs, traveled to Guelph, and I finished school and graduated.  It's been such a busy year and I feel like we've barely had a moment to breathe.  

Well, that's not actually true...

One right of passage for the newly engaged is the engagement photos.  To pose or not to pose.  That is the question.  Juan and I disagreed on the answer.  In the end, however, we didn't have to decide because our lovely photographer decided for us.  

Cousin's was where Juan and I had our first date.

It's also a place where we have shared numerous beers together.

We got engagement photos.  I'm so happy we did.  Not only was it an unseasonably warm fall day, but we had so much fun!  This was a time where we had a chance to breathe and enjoy each other's company - at times I think we forgot Julie was even there.  

Julie Fulsher, of Sterling Images, is our wedding photographer.  Her and I went to high school together and she took amazingly beautiful photos at my very good friend and bridesmaid, Tamara's wedding.  We hope you enjoy some of her photos and her extremely flattering blog post about us.  

Love, Kelly & Juan

The Wedding Social

Designed by my bridesmaid
 Tracey O'Neil of Simple Life Designs

We weren't going to have a wedding social.  Too much work, too much stress.  Some people say that a wedding social is harder to pull off than the actual wedding!  But after much deliberation we decided that not only is a wedding social a Manitoba tradition, it is also a great way to reconnect with the friends we haven't seen in so long.  Though in truth it may have come down to one fact:  Juan and I simply love a good party.

And a party we had!  

We had surprises.  

Juan's sister Maria and her boyfriend Peter (not in this photo)
came all the way from Toronto to surprise us

We had foosball.  Psychedelic foosball.  

Photo credit: Jonah O'Neil

We had food.  Traditional social food.

We had a popcorn machine.  

The popcorn was courtesy of Michael Walter, my Step-Dad,

We had prizes.  

We had dancing...a fog machine and light show.  

I know what your thinking...that's a foosball table.
Beyond is the dance floor.

But most importantly, we had alcohol - cheap alcohol.

Note the empty drink pyramids

Just Kidding!

Most importantly we had all our family and friends from near and far with us...on the most ridiculously cold night ever!  The average daily temperature for March 1st was - 31.5°C and with winds that made it feel like - 50°C.  It was the the second coldest March day on record in Winnipeg since 1872.  Despite the frigid temperatures it was warm inside Riverview Community Centre and hot on the dance floor. 

Juan, Paul, Dave, & Derek

Kelly & her cousin Brenda (who came all the way from B.C.)

Toni and Bill & Wayne and Lenore helping out

We had such a great time!  

Thank you so much to everyone who came out on March 1st and supported us.  

Steve, Kelly, & Juan
I'm pretty sure this is only photo we have
that both Juan and I are in!