Those centerpieces look great, I love love the wild branches. Its not over the top and its very elegant. I also like it because Ive been to weddings where the centerpieces are so huge they’re distracting and you cant talk to the person across from you. The size is perfect I think. Very good choice. Your stage designer is a wise woman and is saving you money! Thats a good thing, LOL. You’re funny.
Listen, the big day is all about you getting married more then anything else. Forget the decorations, clothes, etc. Its about the man you will marry and the life you two will have together. Just hold his hand, you will be great. He will help you get through this. I know it, I can tell. And I cant help but add: I cant wait for you to come back and tell me how it all went!!! I am so happy for you Mina!!! This is so exciting and Im praying for you every step of the way. Inshallah, you’ll rock the day!
By the way, Reha here is also trying to lose another 7lbs before the big day…and I WILL! I SO will. I sent my smaller clothes to the tailor so I have no choice but to lose it…lol. That is my motivation. I went to the store today and got myself yogurt, apples, tuna, etc to make sure I have low cal stuff to snack on if need be…I also threw in some swiss chocolate but no one knows. :halo:
Mina, I also got laid off in November of last year. But I was one of the very few lucky ones…I got a severence, live with my parents, dont have a lot of worries right now. The people who are hurting are ones that have families and mortgages. The college I was working for is also shutting down due to this horrid economy. I was laid of with about 40 other people and recently they laid of another 35…it was small to begin with but they’re going to be closing their doors soon enough, they have no choice now.
You know Mina, Chicago is an acquired taste. When you get here, especially in winter…it looks bleak and depressing. But when the weather lets up…the culture and people are amazing. Its got its charm but I can see why people would be turned off by it. My favorite line everytime it snowed here was “Thats it! Im moving to Texas!”…lol. You will just have to come one day during good weather…we’ll go to Navy Pier, shop on Michigan Ave, etc. I was in Pensacola, FL for work once about a year or two ago. It was beautiful…so clean and nice and organized…I felt it was a different country. Downtown Chicago can be a little icky, yes. 
I also noticed the culture is so laid back and easy. Here, people run, run and keep running until you eventually drop. But there, life is so casual. No one has anywhere to go, lol. I liked it.
Ive never had a massage Mina…ever. I get a little nervous about people touching me. Dont know what I would do if someone tried to give me a massage…lol. I can give them but getting them is another story. You know what my biggest problem is with pedicures? They tickle!!! And I wiggle!!! LOL. I start to wiggle my foot when they’re scrubbing and it always cracks us up because Im trying so hard to maintain my composure but cant…hilarious. So, they try to put me out of my misery as soon as possible. 
You know, I think I will have them make an artificial set for me for the day of the wedding. You’re right…I wont be able to wear it again and she bought it for me when I was about 15 when I got my first rishta…lol. And, it would make me so happy knowing I wore something she gave, touched, etc. Okay, Ill take pictures and send them to Pakistan. My MIL wont mind it, she said I can do whatever I want and to just let her know! She is a sweet heart, just hope I can keep her happy. Will you live with your in-laws when you’re married? I might for a bit. Scared.
Mina, let me know how things turn out with pakifairy. She has a good reputation and Im sure she will deliver. You gave us an idea of the outfit though and it sounded beautiful!!! I cant wait to see mine!!! Its almost done and Im just dying to get my hands on it…lol. Do you have yours yet?
Mina…the Happy Camper thread is where I met you guys…and Im so happy I did. You guys are amazing. Now, lets see those pictures!